A VILLAGE pub near Winchester has set a record by being voted the Hampshire dining pub of the year for the fourth year in a row.

The Plough in Sparsholt, has been run by licensees Richard and Kathryn Crawford for 11 years.

Wadworth brewery spokesman Jonathan Montagu-Pollock said: "Richard and Kathryn are two of our best licensees.

"They are highly professional and a true credit to the brewery. To win the award four years in a row is an extraordinary achievement, but it does reflect their extremely high standards."

The couple, who also run The Running Horse in nearby Littleton, serve traditional, modern and international cuisine with the emphasis on it being freshly prepared.

Mark Goodman has worked at The Plough for eight years and has been its head chef for the last three years.

Mrs Crawford said: "Everyone involved with The Plough is delighted with the news that we have again been voted Hampshire Dining Pub of the Year. We have a strong team spirit here and Richard and I have regular meetings with our kitchen to taste new dishes, some of which make it onto our menu."