HARD working staff is the secret behind running a successful pub, says an award winning Clent landlord.

The Fountain Inn off the A491 in Clent swept the board at the recent Union Pub Company awards, scooping no less than four top titles and three runners-up prizes. Landlord Richard Macey said he was absolutely delighted to have won the awards but attributed the pub's success to his excellent staff.

"These awards just promote the advantage of having hard working, committed and well trained staff and I would like to thank them.

"My wife and I are really just a front to the pub but they are the people behind the scenes," said Richard.

The watering hole, part of the Wolverhampton and Dudley Breweries, beat off competition from more than 1,000 other pubs to be named Pub of the Year.

Other gongs included Banks's Beer-keeper of the Year, Union Cask Ale Pub of the Year and Restaurant Pub of the Year.

The Fountain Inn was also commended for cleanliness and its selection of wine and floral displays at the presentation at Pride Park, home of Derby County Football Club.

Richard and his wife Jackie have run the Adams Hill pub for five years and although they have won awards in the past this is their first big success.

"I was not able to attend the ceremony as I was away in France but Jackie was there and said it was wonderful. About three hundred people were also there. The brewery really has done us proud," added Richard.