THE owners of a Ledbury pub are raising a glass after being named CAMRA's Herefordshire Pub of the Year.

The Prince of Wales, on Church Lane, was recognised by the Campaign for Real Ale for its range of cask ales as well as its friendly atmosphere.

Russ Smith, who co-owns the pub with his parents, Les and Elaine, said it was good to be recognised.

He said: "We've worked hard to keep a good selection of ales on tap.

"When we took over the pub 10 years ago there was only three real ales available. We currently have seven on offer that we hope suit most tastes.

"Our regulars really appreciate it, and if you try to offer a selection it will keep people coming back.

"We came runner up in 2009 so it's nice to go one step further."

Mark Haslam, spokesman for Herefordshire CAMRA, said: “The Prince of Wales is a pub the residents of Ledbury can be rightly proud of – it stands as a beacon representing the very best of what the market town has to offer.

"Not only does the bar muster a range of local cask beers that wouldn’t look out of place at a beer festival, it also offers a range of continental beers that would proudly grace any bar in Brussels. It is absolutely the real deal for the beer connoisseur.”

The Alma Inn at Linton, near Ross-on-Wye, was named runner-up in the Best Country Pub category.