LANDLORD Richard Baulu is the toast of his village after the Kings Arms at All Cannings, near Devizes, won a special recognition award at Wadworth's annual awards.

Mr Baulu, who runs the pub with Virginia Long, said: "It is brilliant news. We have won a lot of different awards, usually for our beer, over the years but to get this one which is chosen by the chairman is fantastic and the best yet. The trophy is now in pride of place and the regulars are delighted.

"They didn't say exactly why we got it but I think it is a mixture of everything from sales and beer quality to the website and obviously having the Concert At The King's here must help as that puts the village on the map."

Five Rock Against Cancer concerts have now been held in a field at the back of the pub and have raised £152,500 for cancer charities and local good causes.

The Wadworth Best Of The Best awards were presented at The Bear Hotel, Devizes on Monday and honours managers, tenants and apprentices.

Wadworth chief executive Chris Welham said: “The ‘Best of the Best Awards’ provides a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the successes of our dedicated tenants and managed house teams. Winners have been chosen throughout our estate for their continued commitment to making their customers’ days and ensuring their pub is the very best in their area.

“It’s a fantastic atmosphere, with managers, business partners and team members from across the company all joining to celebrate together. I’d like to thank everyone at Wadworth for their continued passion, commitment and dedication.”

Other Wiltshire winners included The Barge Inn at Seend run by Ashley Harlow and Abi Vince who took the title for the best marketing by a managed pub. The Crown Inn, Devizes run by Jim Lynch came second in this category.

The Barge Inn was applauded for keeping sales going despite a road that leads to the pub being closed for several months while Mr Lynch was praised for making the Crown a destination for diners after many years of being known as a late night venue.

Best manager award went to Richard Jennings from the Pheasant, Chippenham while Matt Humphries of the Green Dragon, Marlborough took a silver for the best managed newcomer section.