TWO Wyre Forest pubs are raising a toast in celebration after scooping coveted real ale awards.

Worleys at The Swan, in Stourport, has been named Wyre Forest CAMRA’s Pub of the Season for Spring 2018.

And Kidderminster’s Penny Black pub was handed a special award for promoting awareness of real ales throughout the community.

This award is further good news Swan managers Maria Plant and Matt Worley who have recently redesigned and reopened the nearby Hope and Anchor.

The Swan itself reopened in December 2015 and has established itself as part of the local music scene as well as featuring real ales.

Wyre Forest CAMRA branch chairman Nick Yarwood said: “Members were particularly impressed with the range and consistent quality of real ales, the efforts being made to promote real ale and the engaging and friendly welcome of the staff.

“Additionally, Maria and Matt have recently also redesigned and reopened the nearby Hope and Anchor, introducing good quality real ales where previously there were none.

“It’s already proving to be popular and this can only be good news for the real ale and pub scene in the town.”

And Branch members praised Matt Wear, manager of the Penny Black, for his enthusiastic support in raising awareness of real ales and CAMRA’s objectives.

Mr Yarwood added: “Matt has made exceptional efforts to be inclusive with all ages and sectors of the community.

“He has worked to raise awareness of real ales and ciders for pub regulars by promoting cask beers and holding ‘Meet the Brewer’ events.

“He has engaged with CAMRA members about new beers coming up in the pub and been consistently supportive of the Branch and CAMRA aims and objectives.”