TWO popular pubs are celebrating in style after landing top awards from the Campaign for Real Ale.

There was double cause for cheer at the New Union in Kendal, which has been elected Westmorland CAMRA Pub of the Year and also the group's Cider Pub of the Year.

And over in Broughton-in-Furness, customers at the Manor Arms were also raising a glass after it was named Furness CAMRA Pub of the Year for the second time in succession.

Phil Walker has transformed the New Union since taking over in 2017, and he said he was delighted to receive the award at the thriving Stricklandgate alehouse.

"I'm very pleased and I'd just like to thank all the staff and customers and everyone involved," he said.

The award is decided by the votes of CAMRA members, and Mr Walker explained that not only did he work to ensure a wide range of quality ale, whisky, gin, cider and lager was on offer, but the pub was also a true centre of the community.

Local mountain rescue groups, school PTAs and a range of Kendal sports clubs all regularly head for the New Union where they can meet in its warm, friendly atmosphere.

And Mr Walker added that with a regular Wednesday quiz night and jam nights, food promotions and a forthcoming whisky night, the pub always had something to attract the punters, while anyone just wandering in for a quiet drink would always get a warm welcome.

The Manor Arms, which lies on The Square at Broughton, has been run by the same family for more than 30 years, and landlord Scott Varty was delighted to retain the trophy the pub won last year.

“It is always a surprise to win as you can never be certain," he said.

“The staff have put a lot of work in so we’re very happy.

“Thank you very much to everyone who supported us and the brewers who supply our ales.”

Dave Latham, the secretary of Furness CAMRA, said: “The Manor Arms has consistently supplied real ale to a high standard for many years.

“It really is a terrific pub.”

Founded in 1971, CAMRA now has more than 183,000 members across the world and aims to promote real ale and pubs, as well as acting as a representative for the consumer in relation to the UK and European beer and drinks industry.