REAL ale buffs are raising a glass to a Lower Gornal pub which has been voted best in Dudley and South Staffordshire.

The Red Cow in Grosvenor Road will now go forward for the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) West Midlands County Pub of the Year.

The pub, which stocks ales from Black Country breweries gained entry into the 2013 Good Beer Guide Holden’s, Pardoe’s and Enville was judged to exceed standards for quality, atmosphere, service, welcome and good value.

CAMRA spokesman Simon Hanson said: ”I had been involved with some of the judging this year and was very impressed with the community focus the pub has. A very welcoming pub with the beer pricing being very competitive and excellent quality.”