LANDLORDS of The Castle Inn in Kidderminster say it is thanks to their loyal customers that the boozer has been voted Pub of the Season for winter 2019.

The Park Lane pub was chosen for the award by local CAMRA members for its good quality beers and friendly, cosy atmosphere.

Nick Yarwood, chairman of Wyre Forest CAMRA, said: “Members were impressed with its warm and friendly welcome, the good quality of the beers on display, and the cosy log fire helping to make the whole place very warm.

"The landlords Marie and Neil Osborne are very welcoming and the general atmosphere is very positive. The pub also offers reasonably priced food at weekends.

"A lot of work has been put in to make a successful pub and members felt it very deserving of recognition.”

Since taking over in May 2017, husband and wife Neil and Marie have completely redecorated the bar and garden areas and transformed the venue into a real ale pub.

Marie told The Shuttle: "When we took over the upholstery was in dire need, the carpet was a throwback to the 1960s and the garden was unloved and in need of some TLC.

"We've changed the carpets, straightened out the garden, built a marquee in the back garden and improved the clientele. It's a real family-orientated pub now."

She added: "We were really surprised to be voted Pub of the Season. We've put in a lot of hard work but without our regular customers, who have kept up the ambience and friendly atmosphere in the pub, we wouldn't have got to where we are today."