A LOWER Gornal licensee is “over the moon” after his pub was named as Dudley and South Staffs CAMRA pub of the year.

Dave Corns, who manages The Red Cow in Grosvenor Road, snatched the prestigious title from Sedgley’s Beacon Hotel, which held the accolade for the past five years.

Dave, who re-opened the vacant pub two years-ago with his wife Linda, said: “This award is absolutely marvellous, it came as a big surprise to us as we never expected to win.”

In the last year, the couple, who have been in the pub trade since 1991, have turned around the pub’s fortune by introducing six real ales from local breweries alongside a variety of guest ales.

They have also set up a host of community pub teams and have been delighted to see more and more young people swapping pints of lager for real ale.

Dave added: “This award just shows what can be achieved with hard work. We have lots going on every day here including a darts team, three fishing clubs, a cribbage team and a dominoes team.”

The pub, which was recently listed in the 2013 Good Beer Guide, was presented with the award during a special event on March 11 and is now in the running for regional pub of the year.