A Norwich pub is leading the way as a top destination in the county for real cider and perry drinkers, and has been named the first Norfolk Camra Cider Pub of the Year.

The White Lion in Oak Street, which stocks 16 real ciders/perries, was voted the winner by the Norwich and Norfolk branch of Camra , and the pub now goes forward to the next round of the National Cider Pub of the Year competition.

Branch secretary Warren Wordsworth said the new competition was introduced in the county to reflect the increased popularity of cider across the country.

He said: 'The White Lion was picked because it has by far the biggest range of ciders in Norfolk, and the number can only be beaten by going to the West Country.'

Branch chairman Graham Freeman added that people often now preferred real ciders/perries to real ales in pubs. He added: 'The number of nominations for the award, up to 20, reflected the popularity, and reflects the growth in popularity across the country, as well.'

The nominations were whittled down to three pubs by the branch- the Oliver Twist in Yarmouth, the Cottage in Silver Road, Norwich, and the White Lion.

Ben Ackers, landlord at the White Lion, said: 'Norfolk boasts several good cider makers whose produce travels far and wide. These include Whin Hill in Wells, which has won Champion Perry of Norfolk two years running. Burnards Cider is also very popular as are Crones and Norfolk Cider Company, known locally as Kingfisher. We source cider and perry from all over the country. Cider and perry from Wales, Somerset and Cornwall are currently on show among others.'

The Evening News has been urging people to support pubs and local breweries in our Love your Local campaign.

To see more stories from the campaign visit www.eveningnews24.co.uk/loveyourlocal.

What makes your pub special? Call reporter David Bale on 01603 772427 or email david.bale2@archant.co.uk.