A FARNWORTH pub scooped a Best Newcomer Award for its warm welcome.

The Bradford Arms, in Buckley Lane, fought off fierce competition from pubs across the region to be named the winner of the title in the Trust Inns’ Pub of the Year awards 2015.

The award, which is part of a scheme designed to recognise talented individuals and the innovations they implement in their pubs, is a culmination of a rigorous judging process based on mystery visits at both quiet and busy trading times.

On all occasions the Bradford Arms was described as being “extremely welcoming” and able to provide “a friendly and sociable atmosphere”.

A spokesperson for Trust Inns said: “The landlord Steve Aldred and his family are a hardworking bunch who are great ambassadors for the Great British pub. They thoroughly deserve recognition for their hard work. Mystery drinkers at the pub were particularly impressed with how welcoming the pub was and said the quality of the beer was fantastic.”

Licensee Mr Aldred said: “To win was a total surprise as we were nominated by our local Business Development Manager. We simply treated the mystery drinker as we would treat any guest who visits our home, for that’s what our pub is; our home.

"We like to keep things simple and offer everything you would expect from a pub including a pub quiz with cash prizes and regular disco and karaoke nights at the weekend.”

The awards cover the company’s 400 plus pubs across the country who compete in various categories. Nominees are judged on the quality of service and entertainment available, presentation and value for money.