TOP publicans have been recognised after scooping a Countryside Alliance Award for their community spirited ale house.

The husband and wife duo running The Swan Pub in Enford host a weekly Hub in the Pub for older people and an annual beer festival to keep punters coming back.

Peter and Emma Jeffries were commended by Environment Secretary Michael Gove MP at a ceremony in Westminster, where they were crown national winners.

Emma Jefferies from The Swan said: “This win is an amazing team achievement. Our aim in running the pub has been to bring our community back together. We have been listening to what they want from their pub and if it’s possible to do we have done it.

"The Swan is for everyone, from the older people who come in for the craft evening on a Tuesday to the young guys who come in for a pie and pint after a work-out – we are there for all 600 villagers in Enford and everyone in the surrounding hamlets.”

The Environment Secretary, Michael Gove commented: “The Countryside Alliance does a brilliant job standing up for rural businesses and residents and supporting a working countryside. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed helping to judge their awards which go to rural businesses that exemplify the best in Britain’s entrepreneurial spirit. The winners deserve all our congratulations.”

The pub beat off competition form regions across the country to come out on top.