THE longstanding landlords of a Horwich pub are celebrating after being recognised with a special award.

Gary and Bev Parker, who run The Crown on Chorley New Road, have been recognised by The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) with a Golden Award, marking 50 years of the organisation.

As part of its anniversary celebrations throughout 2021, CAMRA is recognising people, groups of people or businesses that have made a significant contribution to its aims,

After regularly appearing in CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide, it was felt The Crown’s dedication to pouring quality pints deserved recognition.

Gary said: “We’re so proud that we’ve won the CAMRA Golden Award.

“We never take what we do for granted or rest on our laurels, even though we’ve been running the Crown for over 23 years, and we’ve been featured in the Good Pub Guide for 22 consecutive years - a huge achievement which we are also incredibly proud of.

“The Crown sits at the heart of our community, we love the fact it serves so many local groups who meet here, as well as all our customers who know they’ll always get the warmest welcome, and of course we serve the best beer – as I say, if you look after the cellar, it looks after you.

“We want to thank all the people who share in our achievement, and may we continue to be the beating heart of Horwich and surrounding communities for many years to come.”

CAMRA’s awards director, Gary Timmins, added: “I am delighted to be honouring The Crown with a CAMRA Golden Award. 2021 is our anniversary year, and we want to take this opportunity to celebrate the successes of great British locals as well as CAMRA’s achievements.”

The award winners include 32 pubs, including five that have appeared in all 48 editions of the Good Beer Guide.