THE longest-serving pub licensees in Great Harwood are celebrating after being given a national gong.

Maureen and Bob Smith, from the Plough, in Queen Street, beat off competition from 1,100 others to win a Lifetime Achievement award from Star Pubs and Bars.

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Maureen, 64, said she had loved her 32 years behind the bar and added: “We feel very honoured to have received the award. It’s brilliant to be recognised for all the hard work we’ve put in.”

The couple, who previously ran the Walmsley, also had the distinction of being the only licensees in the town to have opened every day since all-day opening came into force in August 1988 — 26 years ago.

The judges from Heineken-owned Star Pubs and Bars were impressed by the Smiths’ length of service and by their commitment to quality, which has seen them turn the Plough into one of Great Harwood’s most popular pubs.

They were handed th award at a gala celebration night in London by ex-footballer and broadcaster Chris Kamara.

But Maureen, who said the bar keeps her feeling 21, admits she was a reluctant landlady at the start.

She said: “It was a lifelong dream for Bob. When Blakes Vitreos Enamellers closed down he was made redundant and decided to make his dream a reality but I was very upset when he got the Walmsley and said I’d only commit to two years. Thirty years later I’m still here and can’t imagine life without a pub.”

Well-known in Great Harwood, the Smiths have not only invested in the Plough to keep it looking attractive, including putting on amazing displays of hanging flower baskets, but have also helped raise more than £200,000 for local charities and good causes over the years.

Star Pubs and Bars trading director, Chris Jowsey, said: “Building a successful pub business is a real achievement.

“Building such a business and keeping it at the top of its game year after year is an amazing accomplishment.

“When you consider all the other businesses that have come and gone in Great Harwood in the last 20 years, Bob and Maureen’s achievement is a true accolade to their dedication and skill and to the enduring popularity of a good traditional community pub.”