THE owners of a rural inn received an early first birthday present when they were named CAMRA pub of the season.

Daniel Raybould took over the Balance Inn at Luston last May – and has seen business flourish.

The landlord said being named as Camra's Spring pub was the icing on the cake of a very special year.

The pub had been closed for several years and the site had become fairly run down.

But the investment from the new owners has been matched by the support of a strong number of keen regulars and others passing through north Herefordshire.

"We really wanted to be a focal point for the community and many groups congregate here for their meetings," explained Mr Raybould.

"We were told a survey showed that 85% of the village wanted the pub back open and we're happy to welcome many of those living nearby."