VILLAGE pub the Victoria & Albert, in Netherhampton, is celebrating after scooping the title Best Pub in Salisbury and South Wiltshire.

A warm atmosphere and welcoming pint helped the pretty thatched pub to secure the accolade, presented by Camra, the Campaign for Real Ale, having beaten off stiff competition from the areas' many popular watering-holes.

Mike Bird, branch secretary for Camra Salisbury and south Wiltshire, said judges were looking at the quality of the cask-conditioned ale on sale, as well as the pub's general ambience.

A community focus was also an important consideration, he said.

"Generally, we are looking for a nice welcoming pub with great beer - somewhere that's just a nice place to be," he added

The V&A will now go forward to the Wessex regional final, to be judged throughout April, May and June, when it will be up against pubs from across Hampshire, Dorset, the Isle of Wight, the Channel Islands and the rest of Wiltshire.

If successful, it could be on course for the crown of best pub in the country.

Camra, the campaign for real ale, travels the regions looking for suitable candidates and making secret spot checks on unsuspecting publicans.

V&A licensees Peter Martin and Maggie Scott had no idea they had been checked for the title but were delighted with the win.

Maggie said: "We are always very keen to support small, local brewers and micro-breweries and we are extremely grateful to our customers for supporting us and drinking the beer.

"It would be wonderful to get to the next stage."

The pub is hosting a celebration party and firework evening on April 20, when the award will be presented.