A PUB has won a national award for the 'essential' role it plays in its community.

Darwen's The Bridgewater has received the title of 'Best Community Pub Operator' in the Publican Awards 2019, which was held in London last month.

Around 1,400 people attended the pub industry’s biggest awards event at Battersea Evolution in London on March 12, to see some of the best businesses in the sector honoured by host Alan Carr.

General manager Gary Smith, who runs the Church Street pub, owned by Stonegate Pub Company, said: “Pubs have a really important role to play in bringing the community together and I am absolutely delighted that we have been recognised as being the best community pub in the area."

The award win comes just three months after bosses at The Bridgewater spent £154,000 on a major refurbishment. It now boasts modern décor, with an open plan bar area, a 75inch HD TV and seating booths which all have their own TV screens.

Mr Smith added: “Our investment has made a huge difference, the open plan space and modern décor means that the bar is a versatile venue for all the different events we host. The team works really hard to make sure customers have a great time with us."