A busy, traditional country freehouse has scooped the top award from the Campaign for Real Ale after demonstrating a wide choice of ales and strong community spirit.

The Norwich & Norfolk CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) branch selected The Star in Lessingham as their 2017 Rural Pub of the Year in their annual competition.

Landlords Sue Winter and Mick Yaxley took over the pub in 2009 and are also former customers of the pub, so they know the pub inside and out. The branch think they have established the pub as a welcoming community local for generations to come.

Sue and Mick were presented with their award certificate at a special event for the regulars and CAMRA members on May 6, 2017.

'Sue and I are absolutely thrilled that we have won this award,' said Mr Yaxley. 'Firstly, we would like to say a huge thank you to the many CAMRA members who voted for us.

'Secondly, a massive thank you to our lovely loyal customers who have supported us throughout the years.

'And thirdly, to our staff, thank you for all your hard work - team work really does pay off. Thank you again everyone, we truly are overwhelmed.'

The Star offers real ales from all over the country which can be enjoyed in the traditional bar, restaurant or lounge with inglenook fireplace, or the extensive beer garden.

The pub, which dates back from the 16th century, also provides home cooked food and Sunday roasts and host a popular beer festival in August each year. The Star also provides bed and breakfast accommodation.

Voting for the Rural Pub of the Year awards was completed using a dedicated online scoring system.

The voting uses the same scoring categories as the subsequent rounds of the competition to make sure the winner has the best chance of progressing further.

Ian Stamp, the Norwich and Norfolk Branch Chairman said the success of The Star was because it is 'all about the community and the beer'.

'Mick and Sue took an isolated country pub and made it into the success it is today by concentrating on quality beer and a friendly welcome,' he said.

The announcement comes after The Kings Head on Magdalen Street, Norwich was chosen as 2017 City Pub of the Year and overall Pub of the Year.