Cheers! A village pub has beaten off competition from about 400 other hostelries across Colchester and north-east Essex to win a coveted title.

Success - Steve Munn, landlord of the Red Lion, with bar worker Laura Long. Picture: ADRIAN RUSHTON 41153-2

The Red Lion, in Kirby-le-Soken, has been chosen as the best in the area by Camra (Campaign for Real Ale).

It will now go through to bid for the regional title. Delighted landlord Steve Munn took over the pub 15 months ago. He runs it with his wife, Ruth.

He said: "We have managed to turn it round and create a typical village pub atmosphere. It has been worth all the hard work."

Mr Munn is a former Metropolitan Police officer.

Published Tuesday, February 22, 2005

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