IT'S the Hampshire pub that looked set to close and be lost to developers.

But less than three years later, it has been named as one of the best in the region and is fighting for a prestigious national award, thanks to the new landlords massive gamble.

After 11 years as a regular at the Wonston Arms, near Sutton Scotney, current landlord Matt Todd dropped his life in the world of corporate marketing and stepped up to buy the pub.

"I believed I could make a go of it," said landlord Matt Todd. "I'd tried to put together a community bid, but we came up about £100,000 short."

The 49-year-old added: "It has been great, I didn't plan it in anyway."

Now, after two-and-a-half years of hard work, the Campaign for Real Ale has recognised the landlord's efforts and named the Wonston Arms as the best pub in the Wessex region.

"It's just a little pub in the countryside. My biggest asset is my customers; no one is ever turned away, the locals provide a really friendly community atmosphere," said Matt.

One of the unique selling points of the pub is that it doesn't do food, instead a fish and chip van stops outside on a Tuesday evening so regulars can have a pint of bitter with their battered cod. There is also a curry night on Friday, and this, coupled with shorter opening hours, means there is always a buzz, according to Matt, who is the sole member of staff.

The success of the pub has even caught the attention of Winchester MP Steve Brine, who said: "What Matt has achieved at the Wonston Arms is nothing short of incredible.

"He has turned a rather tired pub into a must stop for anyone who understands good beer and good atmosphere are first on the team-sheet in this business.”

Following the Wonston Arms' regional success, it will now compete with the 15 other winners for the title of National Pub of the Year.

Andrea Briers, co-ordinator of the National Pub of the Year competition, said: "Last year's national winner enjoyed a huge boost in its popularity from visitors near and far, and all of the competing pubs will hope to secure national recognition from the competition."