POPULAR local The Crown and Sceptre in Horns Road, Stroud, has scooped the Stroud branch of CAMRA’s Pub of the Year award just months after it recently reopened.

The lively free house, which always has at least four real ales on tap and is the only pub in Stroud serving Uley beers, was visited by CAMRA members who rated its choice of drinks, as well as the welcome and service they received and the atmosphere.

Bob Brooks, chairman of Stroud CAMRA, which publishes its own Good Beer Guide, said: "The Crown and Sceptre thoroughly deserves to be our Pub of the Year.

"Landlord Rodda Thomas has taken a tired, struggling pub and turned it into a thriving real-ale-led community local in a remarkably short space of time."

Mr Thomas, who has stamped his own personality on the inn with a selection of unique framed prints and refurbishments, encourages his customers to suggest ales and has overhauled the cellar to ensure the beers are served at the ideal temperature.

Snacks including hand-raised pork pies and homemade pate and toast are available at all times and Sunday lunches and Wednesday night meal offers are also served.

"I always really wanted this pub," said Rodda, who was formerly landlord of The Woolpack in Slad and The Golden Fleece in Stroud.

"It was always a little gem that simply needed polishing."

Meanwhile, Martin Large and Greg Pilley of Stroud Common Wealth, which encourages social enterprises in the district, has backed a new Government campaign to help communities take-over and run their own pubs.

Led by the Oxford-based Plunkett Foundation, the £3.3 million programme is designed to help people gain the funding and advice they need to start up a new generation of community-owned locals.

For more information about the scheme contact the Plunkett Foundation on 01993 810 730.