PUB bosses have celebrated reaching the finals of a national competition.

Bosses at The Black Dog, in Oswaldtwistle, said they were 'astounded' after being named runner ups in the best Dog Friendly Pub category at the Dog Friendly Awards 2018.

The competition, now in its seventh year, reward the public's favourite dog friendly places and businesses across the UK.

Around 1900 pubs were nominated but the Union Road pub was one of three finalists, in their category, to be invited to the award ceremony in London last Saturday (October 20).

Landlady Emma Kearney and husband Colin Manford, brother to comedian Jason, said the pub holds regular dog fancy dress shows and dog of the month competitions.

The 38-year-old landlady, who will be celebrating the two year anniversary of taking over the pub with Mr Manford this weekend, said: "We were astounded to be in the final because we have not been in the pub long.

"We love dogs but there were lots of other pubs who were at the same level as us. It wouldn't have been possible without the support from customers and visitors who come with their dogs.

"For a tiny little pub in Oswaldtwistle to be named among the most dog friendly is amazing."

The couple, who recently moved to the area from Manchester, received a finalist certificate and a paw shaped trophy. The pub will be featured in the Dog Friendly year book and magazine next month too.