THE Rose and Crown pub in Worton, near Devizes, has been nominated for the title of Village Pub of Year for the second year in a row.

Licensees Ellie Preston-Gill and John Leiper received a visit from one of the judges of the competition, organised by the Morning Advertiser, the newspaper produced by the Licensed Victuallers' Association, last week.

The couple should hear in December if they have been shortlisted and won a second trip to London for the award ceremony, which is due to take place in February.

Ms Preston-Gill said: "We are absolutely delighted to have been nominated again. I think what impressed the judges last year were the testimonials from some regulars, which we submitted with our original application.

"The judges certainly paid attention to what local people think of our pub. They liked the fact that you might find the cat asleep by the fire and chickens pecking in the car park the old-fashioned idea of what the village pub is."

As the hub of the local community, the pub will be hosting some seasonal entertainment and this Saturday, October 30, it is holding a Hallowe'en party, complete with ducking for apples and a prize for the best fancy dress costume. The fun begins at 8.30pm.

The Green Dragon in Market Lavington High Street has been shortlisted for the title of Tenancy Pub of the Year.

Since Nicky and Steve Wragg, who used to run the Cavalier in Eastleigh Road, Devizes, took over the pub a year ago last February, they have won a bronze medal in the bed and breakfast category in the Taste of the West awards and an entry in the Good Beer Guide, produced by CAMRA.

Mrs Wragg said: "We have really enjoyed being at the Green Dragon and people are gradually hearing about us."