A CROXLEY GREEN pub is toasting its success today after being named local Pub of the Year.

The Sportsman public house in Scots Hill was awarded the title by the Watford and District Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

Andrew Vaughan, secretary at Watford and District CAMRA, commended the staff at The Sportsman for their achievement.

He said: "The Sportsman was named Pub of the Year because the beer is always in top condition, with a varied and interesting range available.

"The pub has a strong local following and attracts many people because of its music focus. It has a unique and idiosyncratic style and often runs small beer festivals which are very popular."

The Sportsman is run by Mary Emerson and Jackie Hughes, who celebrated nine years in charge last Saturday.

Mary said: "We are really pleased to have been awarded this title.

"We have always wanted to serve good beer and this is the proof that we do."

Pubs are nominated for the Pub of the Year competition by CAMRA branch members.

The other pubs that were nominated this year were the Black Boy in Bushey Heath, the Estcourt Arms and the Southern Cross in Watford, and the Swan in Bushey.

The pubs are scored by a committee according to a number of criteria including beer quality, community focus, style and decor, service, atmosphere, CAMRA campaigning and value for money.

A presentation of the Pub of the Year certificate to Mary and Jackie will take place on Friday.