A VILLAGE pub has been recognised for its stunning garden - in a brand new award created by West Dorset Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

The West Dorset branch of the organisation has handed the pub garden of the year award to the Spyway Inn in Askerswell.

The award aims to recognise pubs which make a continued and outstanding commitment to their gardens and upkeep.

At the Spyway the garden consists of an open-plan area with hedges removed to give a view of cattle or sheep grazing in the opposite field with hillside views bordered by a small stream. The centre piece of the garden is a child friendly pond with an otter water fountain surrounded by hanging baskets, shrubs and tubs with a pergola over-looking the pond. Plenty of benched seating with sun umbrellas leads to a child’s play area with swing, slide and climbing frame.

The garden is maintained by Vivien and Kevin Wilkes who are licensees along with son Tim, who runs the pub.

Vivi en said: "Were delighted to receive this award and thrilled that people come to the pub and enjoy the garden. We have had comments from customers in the past on how lovely the garden is and customers are surprised on the high standard of our garden.” 

When the Wilkes took over the pub they made a commitment to get the garden sorted out and with hard work the fruits of their labour can be enjoyed. Vivien also added she was very pleased with and proud of her Acer and Rose bushes.

West Dorset CAMRA spokesperson Rich Gabe said: “As a branch we felt it important to high-light the hard work done that makes a pub garden appealing to customers. These areas of a pub are often overlooked yet appreciated by many. It's high time CAMRA started to acknowledge the work put in to a pub garden, what could be better than sitting in a tranquil garden sipping a cool pint of ale?"