The Collier’s Arms in Cheslyn Hay has won the South Staffordshire’s People’s Pub of the Year 2010. Joint Partners Antony Sinnott and Paul Perry, who have run the pub for four years, said that they were “proud and pleased to have won the award” which, Antony explains is “based on a variety of criteria including public votes and visits from mystery guests.”

The challenging economic situation, led to the introduction of the awards to recognise local pubs for their important role in their community. Members of the public were asked to write in and tell the local council why their local pub deserved this title, leading to almost half of all the pubs in the district being nominated.

Partners and landlords of other nominated pubs were then invited to meet with the judges and describe what they do for their regulars, community and other local businesses.

Councillor David Billson, deputy leader for strategic services at the district council, said: “If these pubs are lost, then the centre of social gathering and wellbeing and support to local businesses is lost. Running these awards has definitely enlightened me into how significant our locals really are and the fantastic support they give back to the community. We really need to be supporting our pubs and helping them to thrive.”