THE Tipsy Toad public house at Bulkington, near Devizes, just missed out on a prestigious national award.

The pub, which Mary Dolman and Tim Faulkener took over three years ago, was one of three hostelries from all over the country to be shortlisted for the title Freehouse Pub of the Year by the national drinks industry newspaper, The Morning Advertiser.

The couple attended a presentation evening at London's Savoy Hotel last Wednesday, when they took the silver medal. Ms Dolman was delighted.

"We were ecstatic to get to the finals and really very pleased to be runners up," she said. "The publicity we have had by being shortlisted is worth its weight in gold.

"We were put up at the Savoy as well and it was lovely to be waited on for a change. We were treated like royalty."

Ms Dolman and Mr Faulkener have invested heavily in the pub. They have built a new skittle alley, a games room which doubles as an overflow for the lounge and dining area, a beautiful garden and an impressive conservatory.

The pub has become the hub of the communities of Bulkington and nearby Keevil as villagers flock to sample its home-cooked food.

Another attraction is the collection of more than 200 toads, made from a variety of materials including metal, wood and ceramics.