A ‘FRIENDLY and down to earth’ social club has been named as the best in the area by ale experts.

The Canine Club in Accrington has been named the CAMRA Lancashire Club of the Year.

Philip Daniels, bar manager at the club for five years, said it was a great honour to pick up the prize.

The 65-year-old said: “What can you say, we’re all very proud.

“We just try and have a nice, friendly atmosphere.

“We’ve got a great group of regular customers.

“At the weekends we are always very busy, we’re a members' club but we try and put something on for everyone.

“They came in and told us we were the best in East Lancashire, then getting the prize for the whole of Lancashire was a big surprise,” said Mr Daniels.

“It’s great for the area, there are a couple of good clubs around.”

Mr Daniels said the club also offered a variety of specialist gins and real ales which go down well with guests.

Last year the Sydney Street Sport and Social Club, also in Accrington, was named as Club of the Year by East Lancashire CAMRA.

Lancashire Telegraph beer writer and CAMRA club member Mark Briggs said it was a great accolade for the venue to pick up the prize.

He said: “It’s a very, very friendly club.

“There is always a good range of ales on offer from local brewers.

“The people behind the bar are very friendly, and there are a lot of friendly characters about.

“It’s your typical friendly club, the people are really down to earth and unpretentious.

“It’s a great social drinking experience and there is no surprise it has picked up the prize.

“We are blessed with lots of great social clubs in the area, it’s a real feather in their cap to win."