A SOUTH Lakes pub has beaten off competition from almost 100 UK companies to take runner-up position in the Britain’s Friendliest Business Award.

The Pheasant Inn, Allithwaite, was one of only three businesses to reach the final round of the national competition, which is sponsored by small business funder Liberis.

The Inn, run by the Jones family, impressed judges with its customer and community ethos and the role it plays in Allithwaite and surrounding area.

The business, located on Flookburgh Road, has won marketing consultancy from a top London agency.

The Inn’s customers, friends and staff championed the business and posted nearly 500 likes and messages of support which were taken into consideration during the final round of judging.

Comments posted described the Inn as ‘the friendliest pub in the world’ and ‘a fantastic family run business’.

A statement from the Jones family said: “We are really pleased and very proud as a team to have achieved so much and got so far in this competition.

“We've had fantastic support and some lovely comments from customers, employees, friends, and even ex-staff.”