THE landlord of a rejuvenated Kendal pub has received an award for the north west's best back-of-bar display.

Punch Taverns handed the top award to Tony Greenwood of the Olde Fleece Inn, in Highgate, despite the pub only originally being entered in the 'newcomers' category.

Mr Greenwood, who has run the Fleece Inn with his wife Clare and their family since February, said he was delighted to receive the award.

"What they (the judges) were most impressed with was how rapidly we had built up the stock on the bar," he said.

"When we first took over it was really bare but we've just kept adding to it and it's worth thousands now.

"But they're looking at absolutely everything, your snacks, the lighting, and the huge range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and the way everything is presented.

"We were absolutely delighted, I couldn't be happier. We're absolutely elated to win for the whole of the north west."

Mr Greenwood puts the success he has experienced at the Fleece Inn, and early promising signs at his other Kendal pub, the New Inn at Highgate, down to the family-orientated operation. They only arrived in South Lakeland earlier this year having moved from another establishment in York.

"I think it's because we're an old-school family-run business that people have accepted us so well," he said.

"We've found it so easy to be here. We love the town and we really feel settled in now with some lovely regulars in both pubs.

"To win this competition is just the icing on the cake really."

The award follows more good news for the Olde Fleece Inn, which was last month awarded the cask marque certificate after a rigorous inspection. Mr Greenwood added the New Inn was also due to be awarded the certificate.