The Three Crowns in Chippenham has been named the north west Wiltshire pub of the year for the second year in a row.

It is the fifth award from the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) for The Causeway pub since Steve Jenner bought the freehold four years ago.

Landlord Mr Jenner, 58, said: “It is a great achievement. I couldn’t have done it without the support of my staff and loyal customers.

“I think what did it is the ever-changing seven real ales and at least three real ciders; we don’t have any fixed and we tend to use the local micro-breweries, so it’s like a beer festival every day.”

The wall above the fireplace is fast running out of room for certificates, with runner-up pub for 2011 and 2012 and last year’s inaugural cider pub of the year awards also on display.

Regular Andy Rumming, 52, of London Road, said: “It is the best pub I’ve been to in Chippenham and I’ve been going to pubs here for six years. It is just so gloriously unpretentious.”

Camra members vote for their favourite six pubs, which are then tested and voted on by the committee.

The latest accolade was presented last Thursday by Gareth MacDonald, regional director for South West Camra, who said: “The pubs are judged on the quality of the beer, value for money, atmosphere and welcome, with the emphasis on the beer.”

Customer Brendan Downs, 63, of Wood Lane, said: “It’s relaxing and you get friendly people here. You are made to feel welcome.”

The pub will now go through to the regional final.For future events see www. threecrownschippenham.co.uk