Harrow scoops Heart of Community award

The Harrow in London has scooped the top prize in Mitchells and Butlers (M&B) Heart of the Community Awards.

The Ember Inns pub in Hornchurch beat more than 120 entries from across M&B's estate to be crowned National and Regional Winner.

Judges were impressed by the Harrow's fund-raising for charity and range of more than 20 regular events including a Bike-a-thon, an X Factor competition and Country and Western evenings.

"It's been amazing," said general manager Sarah Jeffries. "We've been working tirelessly with our charity work and community things. I think it's just a combination of all the bits and bobs that we do.

"When it was announced it was an actual total shock. We've been overwhelmed. It is an amazing achievement."

The Harrow and other regional winners will receive a total of £26,500 from M&B for their chosen charities.

Corporate affairs manager and awards organiser Jenny Grant said: "The winners are all responsible operators running very successful businesses and generating wealth and jobs for the local community; on top of that they set up and look after dozens of clubs and societies, raise thousands of pounds for hundreds of charities at brilliantly organised events and even hold Oscars-style ceremonies for their guests."