THE Bell Inn pub in Selsley has been named the third best pub in the South West.

The Stroud pub received a bronze award in the pub of the year category in the South West Tourism Excellence Awards.

Over 700 pubs entered the category for the pub of the year in the South West, with the Bell Inn coming joint third in the award ceremony which took place at Exeter cathedral last Thursday.

The pubs were judged through two anonymous visits by the competition's organisers.

The owners of the Bell Inn, Mark and Sarah said: "We are extremely proud and delighted to achieve this recognition and to receive an award in such a tightly contested category covering the whole of the South West.

"The feedback from the two anonymous visits was a great reflection of what we do day in and day out, which is provide excellent food reflecting the best in seasonal and local produce and the warm welcome and service provided by the team.

"We also received a really useful report with judgements against each criteria, and as a result we have improved our signage to make it easier for our disabled guests."

The pub has also previously been recognised by the prestigious Michelin food organisation for the quality of the food and service provided.