A BRIDPORT inn has been named one of the best cider pubs in the country.

The Woodman Inn has been named as the winner of  Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) Wessex regional finals and now progresses to the next round of judging.

The Wessex region takes in pubs in the whole of Dorset, parts of Hampshire and Wiltshire, alongside the Isle of Wight and Channel Islands.

This means that the pub is now recognised as one of the best 16 cider pubs in the United Kingdom and will continue into the national finals. 

All CAMRA pub competitions are judged by independently minded CAMRA members who over a period of time visit the nominated pubs unannounced.

Woodman publican, Darren Moore, said: "We were shocked to receive the first certificate and even more shocked to receive this one. It was a total surprise but a great one.

"Huge thanks to all the suppliers, West Dorset CAMRA for the continued support and all our cider drinking customers. Many, many thanks.”

West Dorset Campaign for Real Ale branch Chairman Bruce Mead said: "With so many great cider pubs to choose from, it's a great achievement for The Woodman to be awarded the CAMRA Wessex and Channel Islands Regional Cider Pub of the Year and be recognised as one of the 16 best cider pubs in the country.

"We wish Darren and his team the best of luck in the final round of judging."

The winner of CAMRA's National Pub of the Year is usually announced around October 1 to coincide with National Cider month.