SEVERAL Hampshire pubs have received gongs at a brewer’s annual awards.

Landlord and landlady Paul and Glynis Bates, tenants from Brigadier Gerard in Eastleigh, were awarded best newcomer in a tenanted pub at the Wadworth awards.

Meanwhile the Shoe Inn at Exton won a silver award for Perfect Pint in a tenanted house, and The Cleveland Bay at Chandler’s Ford won a bronze in the same category for managed houses.

Perfect Pints awards recognise exceptional expertise in the storage and delivery of beer from cellar to pump.

“The annual awards event is always a great celebration for us at Wadworth,”said Paul Sullivan, Wadworth’s sales and marketing director.

“Our tenants work hard all year round and at this ceremony we reward those whose efforts are particularly noteworthy.

“Times are testing for everyone in the pub trade, but our winners have demonstrated that good management, excellent beer and creative marketing can build a highly successful pub business.”