The Laurie Arms in Haugh of Urr has pulled off one “ale” of an achievement.

The village pub has again been named best in the Stewartry at the annual CAMRA awards.

Last year the popular establishment made it all the way through to the national finals – eventually finishing fourth.

But owner Sandra Yates was just as happy with this year’s recognition.

Read more: They are regular winners

She told the News: “We’re delighted to win the local award.

“We are just a wee village pub and it’s the ale that helps bring people in. So it’s nice to be recognised.

“We got to the final four in the country last year – but you don’t know when you’re being judged.

“We got three visits this year but you don’t know it’s happening and you’re judged on the ale, ambience, service and cleanliness. But obviously the ale is most important.”

Read more: Spectacular images of fishing boat which ran aground near Kirkcudbright

The Cavens Arms in Dumfries scooped the regional award this year and they’ll head for the national finals.

Spokesperson for the local CAMRA group, Alan Gass said: “There’s just over 40 pubs selling real ale in our area and there is healthy competition to win awards in our annual competition.

“Any publican providing real ale from the cask is committed to a great deal of hard work, care and attention, and will possess no mean skill in providing first class ale for their customers.

“Standards are very high within real ale outlets in Dumfriesshire and Kirkcudbrightshire, both in the beers always on tap and in the wide range of guest ales which prove very popular with both locals and tourists.”

It’s not all about the beer at the Laurie Arms however with the public house playing a major role in the community. We are the village pub and we try hard to keep up with the community,” added Sandra. “We do the papers and the milk and have quiz nights and steak nights every month.

“We’re even having a car boot sale on Sunday, April 9.”