Nominations will open next week for a competition that aims to showcase the best pubs and drinking establishments in south Norfolk.

Customers will be able to vote for their favourite inn for the third South Norfolk Community Pub of the Year prize.

A panel of judges is braced to visit pubs up and down the district to assess their community credentials when the South Norfolk Council organised event is launched on Monday.

The 2011 competition comes as the winner of last year's award, the Wortwell Bell, near Harleston, is set to host a free family festival on Saturday.

Councillors will be supported by John Longden, chief executive of the Pub is the Hub, who will chose five neighbourhood winners and an overall champion.

This year, customers need to give three reasons why their pub is the hub of their community and nomination details will be on the back of hundreds of competition beer mats and posters. Nominations will close on July 31.

The winner will receive �1,000 for a community event, organised with the advice and help of South Norfolk Council's events team.

Mr Longden said: 'This South Norfolk Council competition is really encouraging for licensees and communities and is putting forward the good work and support that local pubs can provide. It is excellent, and we are delighted to support it again.'

Sue Thomson, chairman of South Norfolk Council, added: 'Working in partnership with Pub is the Hub we are helping our pubs diversify to remain central to their communities and in so doing, we are enhancing the quality of life and the environment we live in.'

The Wortwell Bell, which won the 2010 community pub prize, will host a free event from midday to 4.30pm on Saturday featuring Waveney Valley food and drink, arts and crafts with live music from the Rum Folk and dancing by the Rumburgh Morris. There will also be an array of children's activities including face painting and entertainment.