A HISTORIC Ribble Valley pub has been named as one of the best in the country.

The Swan with Two Necks in Pendleton has once again made it to the final round of the Campaign for Real Ale Pub of the Year awards.

The pub was crowned the winner of the same competition in 2013 and was praised for its welcoming atmosphere, country charm and homemade food.

Dating from 1772 as a licensed farm, the pub has been run by the same landlords for 30 years.

Pubs are selected by CAMRA volunteers and judged on their atmosphere, decor, welcome, service, community focus and the quality of beer.

The four finalists will now have a chance to win National Pub of the Year, which will be announced in February.

Landlord Steve Dilworth said: “We are absolutely delighted to have reached the final four.

“We will be celebrating our 30th year at the pub in 2017, so to be nominated is a fantastic achievement not only for ourselves but our long serving staff.

“May we continue promoting real ale for many, many more years to come.”

CAMRA will present the pub with an award for being a finalist on Sunday, November 27, at 3pm.

John Webster, CAMRA East Lancashire Branch chairman, said: “Aside from an excellent range of good value food, the Swan and Two Necks retains a strong community focus.

“Friendly locals enjoy a good craic in the small snug or main lounge, and there is always a good range of beers on the hand pumps and even ciders and perries to keep even the most discerning drinker happy.”

The pub has previously been named the Ribble Valley and Lancashire pub of the year and was a national runner up in 2012.