A WORCESTER pub that almost shut for good a year ago has been presented with a prestigious award for its excellent ales.

The 300-year-old Plough Inn, in Fish Street, has been named Pub of the Year by the Worcester branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) a year to the day its doors re-opened for business.

The Deansway pub re-opened in March 2006 after surviving a planning bid that would have seen it turned into solicitors' offices.

Staff and customers at the pub toasted the award when it was handed over by members of CAMRA.

Bill Ottaway, from Worcester CAMRA, said: "To be awarded the pub of the year, the pub has to provide consistently well-kept real ale. Other aspects are also taken into account, such as the pub's ambience and the friendliness of the staff.

"The have created a warm friendly environment that has seen their customer base increase, requiring the amount of real ales to triple to six and the addition of real cider. They have introduced lunch-time food and hold themed nights.'' Landlord Matthew Vernon said: "I'm very pleased to have some recognition for all our hard work. It's nice to have some confirmation that people enjoy coming here. We were having a birthday party on the evening anyway, so the award added to the celebrations and made it a very special occasion for everyone concerned."

The Plough had to fight off stiff competition for Pub of the Year title from the Three Kings, Hanley Castle, the Dragon, Worcester, the Nags Head, Malvern and the Swan, Birlingham, near Pershore.