A PUB near Winchester has been named as one of CAMRA’s Local Pubs of the Year to help launch April’s Community Pubs Month.

The Flower Pots Inn in Cheriton was chosen for the Southern Hampshire region as one of over 200 selected nationwide by the Campaign for Real Ale.

Volunteers will judge the pubs, looking at decor, value for money and customer service, as well as the quality of the produce, in an effort to find their favourite.

Those nominated will be in with a chance to win their regional heats in a quest to be named National Pub of the Year, announced in 2016.

Tom Stainer, CAMRA head of communications, said: “Community Pubs Month is about highlighting the important role pubs play in Community life and no pubs are better examples of fantastic locals than these two hundred CAMRA branch winners. Each one of them has been judged the best in their respective area and are well worth seeking out for any would-be ale lovers.

“Pubs play an essential role in our communities and are clearly very highly valued, but despite this are still being lost at an alarming rate across the UK. The best way people can protect their local’s future is by getting down there and supporting it – which is why throughout April CAMRA will be calling on people to visit their local pub To download free Community Pubs Month artwork and posters and to find out more about the campaign visit communitypubscampaign.org.uk.