THE Grey Mare, on the Grane Road out of Blackburn to Hyndburn and Rossendale, has been named Thwaites brewery's 'Pub of the Year' after a £100,000 refurbishment.

The Belthorn hostelry beat 249 rivals nationwide in the firms annual competition seeking the best in hospitality.

It also came first in the 'Best Investment of the Year' category.

The Black Dog in Oswaldtwistle scooped the national award for 'Best Business Builder'.

The Grey Mare reopened in February following its renovation and has since extended its hours into the daytime to cope with increased demand.

Rebecca Prince, who runs the Grey Mare with husband Stephen, said: “It came as a complete surprise to win the awards. We knew we were shortlisted for the Best Investment. To win that was amazing and then to be named Pub of the Year was fantastic.

“Everyone back at the pub has been made up for us and said it was well deserved. We are really overwhelmed with it all.”

Judge Andrew Buchanan, Thwaites Director of Pubs and Brewing, said: “The Grey Mare oozes a sense of everything being done incredibly well – from the presentation and warm welcome when you arrive through to the friendliness of the staff and the quality of the food and drink. When you leave you want to return.”

The Black Dog won its award as a pub that stood out for its activities calendar and merchandising.

Its marketing innovations included Landlady’s days out, meet and match nights for adults with learning difficulties, branded hoodies and goblet glasses and a stunning hand-drawn cask ale range

Thwaites chief executive Rick Bailey said after the awards ceremony at the company's North Lakes Hotel and Spa in Penrith: “The pub is a uniquely British and enduring cornerstone of our society – the envy of much of the rest of the world, providing local employment, a safe environment in which people can meet friends, make new ones and feel comfortable with a sense of belonging.

"Our awards finalists all showed great character and quality.”

Other national finalists from East Lancashire included: The Black Bull, Ribchester; The Golden Lion, Wheelton; the Griffins Head, Huncoat;

The Havelock Inn, Blackburn; The Rock Inn, Tockholes; The Royal Oak, Riley Green; The Swan, Burnley; The Walmsley Arms, Rishton; and The Nabs Head, Salmesbury.