REAL ale enthusiasts can be sure of a quality pint and a warm welcome at The Three Horseshoes, Norton Canon.

The village pub's three home-produced beers - Norton Ale, Canon Bitter and Farriers Beer - have been awarded the seal of approval by no less an authority than the Campaign for Real Ale.

Complimenting landlord and landlady Frank and Linda Goodwin, branch representative Mark Haslam handed them the county's top award of Herefordshire CAMRA Pub of the Year 1999.

Not only did he commend the beer, he was also full of praise for the general 'ambience' of the establishment, with its open log fire and relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

Mr Goodwin, who has been brewing on the premises since 1994, was delighted with the award and hoped it would attract a few more real ale drinkers to the pub.