A CLUB has been named as one of the best in the country after winning a prestigious regional award.

Roa Island Boating Club of the West Pennines region was among 14 clubs in the country to win the regional Club of the Year competition, awarded by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

It follows the club's successes in the adjacent Furness and Cumbria awards earlier in the year.

Paul Bibby, who runs the club with his wife Lorraine, expressed his surprise at the accolade.

He said: "I was amazed when we won the Furness award, then amazed again when we won it for Cumbria, and now words can not really describe my shock.

"We try to brew the best beers we can and store them in the correct way and that impressed the judges.

"It is a tough time for the industry but we have been going from strength to strength, and it is thanks to our members.

"Given our remote location, it is really nice to be recognised by CAMRA."

Now, the 14 regional finalists will now have a chance to compete for the National Club of the Year crown, one of the highest accolades afforded to Britain’s clubs.

Phil Gregg, National Coordinator for the Club of the Year competition says: “This is an incredibly difficult time for many of our beloved clubs as they jump from one crisis to yet another one. The fact that we’re still seeing such shining examples of club excellence despite these challenges is incredible, and a real testament to these winners.

“We believe that member only clubs are important community assets that promote the social wellbeing of the local area, and this competition aims to highlight the very best examples across the country.”

The competition has been on hold over the last two years due to Covid restrictions and was last won by Cheltenham Motor Club in 2019, which also won the award in 2013 and 2017.

The regional announcement comes as CAMRA urges the Government to address the burgeoning energy crisis and commit to urgent support to help the nation’s pubs and clubs.