South Norfolk Council picks top community pub

South Norfolk Council has awarded the Pelican Inn at Tacolneston community pub of the year, in what it claims are the only council-run community pub awards in England.

Judges unanimously crowned the Pelican, run by former Fine Art teacher Esther Maginn, as the winner thanks to its wide range of community events and activities.

The competition was launched this year as part of the council's campaign to save pubs.

Deputy council leader and competition judge eader Martin Wilby said: "We have seen the future of the British pub, and it is in great hands. Pubs everywhere should be following its example."

Fellow judge, councillor Sue Thomson, chair of the council's licensing committee, said 36 pubs had applied, all of which were of a very high standard. "Choosing the top five — one from each neighbourhood of South Norfolk — was one of the hardest decisions I have had to make. But we all especially agonised over the overall winner, because all five were excellent and deserved to win."

The council was joined by independent panelist John Longden, campaign director of Pub Is The Hub. He said: "What is marvellous to see is South Norfolk recognising the important role that their local pubs play in the quality of rural life and that they are prepared to honour the contribution each of the finalists has made. It was very difficult to judge as they each supported so many initiatives."

Next summer the council's leisure team will help Maginn produce a community event at the pub as part of the competition top prize.

The other four neighbourhood pub winners were:

- The King's Head, Hethersett (Northern River Valleys neighbourhood)

- The Countryman, Tasburgh (Tas Valley)

- Ferry House, Surlingham (Eastern River Valleys)

- The Cock Inn, Diss (Waveney Valley)