PUNTERS are toasting the success of licensees of two Worcester pubs which have scooped top awards - for the second time this year.

The Morning Advertiser, a pub trade weekly, has named the Mug House in Claines as country pub of the year for the central region and The Bull in Fernhill Heath as the innovative pub of the year, also for the central region.

Judy Allen, who runs the Mug House, and Andy Probyn, landlord of the The Bull, will collect their prizes at a glittering awards ceremony at the Hilton in Park Lane, London, on Thursday, February 3.

Mrs Allen said she was absolutely delighted that the pub, which was also named customer pub of the year in October, in the Union Pub Company Awards, had won another award.

"We were judged three times and we won because we really are the best country pub and a real part of the community," she said.

Mr Probyn, who also celebrated success in the October awards by scooping silver in both the entrepreneur of the year and food pub of the year categories, has turned the pub from a drinking venue into an established restaurant, complete with a fish and chip bar, since he took over five years ago.

"People have really taken to the idea and I am overjoyed that The Morning Advertiser has recognised the work I have put in," he said.

"The fish and chip bar also does steaks, salmon, tuna, you name it, for people to take away and it is proving really popular," Mr Probyn said.