Ref. 11894A COUPLE who took over a village pub in Worton, near Devizes, a year ago have been shortlisted for Village Pub of the Year 2004 by the Morning Advertiser, the newspaper of the Licensed Victuallers' Association.

John Leiper and Ellie Preston-Gill have already made their mark in the community. The Rose and Crown has earned a reputation for good food and is now the hub of village activities, ranging from a toddler group to darts, crib and football clubs.

They have brought in chickens, pigs and geese for a children's play area and are helping to raise funds to use a barn behind the pub for a community shop and post office.

Ms Preston-Gill said: "The judges were interested in the shop idea, but they also liked the fact that there are animals. They liked how we have become integrated into village life."