Pubs in the south have been named among the best in the country in an annual contest.

Three local venues have won categories in brewer Fuller’s annual Pub of the Year contest, out of the 387 Fuller’s pubs in the south.

Romsey’s The Old House at Home was given the Best Town or Local Pub title, Winchester venue The Wykeham Arms was crowned winner of the Best Hotel or Inn category, while The Pointer Inn, at Newchurch, Isle of Wight, won the Best Country or Village Pub contest.

The initial 50 entries were whittled down to the final ten following visits from Fuller’s representatives, and from these the winners of the five categories were chosen as well as an overall winner.

The Old House at Home, in Love Lane, has been a winner on two previous occasions, and in 2010 also took the overall Griffin Trophy title.

Sarah Edom, licensee, who runs the pub with husband Michael, said: “We don’t take anything for granted and continue to push the pub forward.”

The Wykeham Arms was judged on its warmth and accommodation quality.

Manager Jon Howard said: “In the last 12 months we’ve really been concentrating on making sure all our customers have a fantastic experience whether they join us for a night’s stay, a family meal or just a quick drink, and I hope we’ve succeeded.”

Each winner received a £2,000 holiday, a plaque and an allowance for a staff celebration.