A popular pub has been crowned ‘Pub of the Year’ after impressing visitors.

The Bell Inn at Bowden Hill was chosen by members of the North West Wiltshire branch of CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale.

Members voted for their top 12 of more than 130 local pubs, with the top six then surveyed by judges during anonymous visits.

Finalists were marked on factors including welcome, service and value for money.

The Bell Inn has now been included in the latest edition of the Good Beer Guide and the CAMRA certificate is in the bar for visitors to view.

Landlords Paul and Georgia Maloney became the licensees in 2016 although Paul had been a manager for more than ten years.

Paul said: “The Bell Inn has often been featured in the Good Beer Guide, including winning local Pub of the Year, but this is the first time that we’ve won it since taking over the lease.

“We are extremely grateful to our fantastic staff who work to make The Bell such a great place.

“We would also like to thank our customers, as without their support we would not be able to keep such a range of ales, and whose enthusiasm for trying new beers allows us to offer some amazing guest ales alongside our permanent best bitter.”

The Bell Inn is located at The Wharf, a reference to how the former row of cottages once stood next to the Wilts & Berks Canal.

The original line of the waterway is now buried beneath the pub car park but Paul and Georgia are active supporters of the charity’s restoration campaign which could one day see it become a canalside pub.

Their beer garden even features the remains of an original lock-gate and a display on the history of the route.

Paul added: “We’re proud to be part of the local community, and we enjoy every day behind the bar.

“We hope this latest award will encourage even more people to visit us and enjoy the warm welcome and friendly atmosphere.”