CHEERS - landlords at a Tottington pub are toasting success after winning a national award for selling the best pint.

The Dungeon Inn, reputedly named after the former Tottington jail, is celebrating scooping the accolade at the Thwaites Awards for Excellence 2015.

Landlords Andrew and Terri Eccles, who took over The Dungeon’s tenancy in 2013, in conjunction with Thwaites, invested more than £30,000 to breathe new life back into the dilapidated pub.

In winning the Best Pint award for the brewery, the duo were commended for their excellent cellar management skills; their understanding of tasting notes and serving techniques; and the staff's extensive product knowledge.

Chris Bird, area business manager at Daniels Thwaites, said: “I wish we had a local like The Dungeon in my village.

“It’s a fantastic pub with very high standards and landlords who have a very sophisticated understanding of cask ale.”

Andrew said: “We’re absolutely over the moon to have won this category. Beer is, at the end of the day, what a pub is all about, so to have our pints singled out as exceptional, is a real honour."

As part of the winning prize, the landlords have been invited to design and brand their own speciality beer, joining the brewing team at Crafty Dan to mix their signature tipple.

The beer produced will be available throughout the Thwaites pub estate during Cask Ale Week, which runs from September 24 to October 4.

Andrew added: “What a privilege it is to be brewing the official Thwaites beer.

“I can’t wait to get in the brewery and start working on ideas. I am already thinking something autumnal, something with berries.”

The couple were presented with their accolade at a ceremony held at the Thorpe Park Hotel in Leeds. They received an engraved trophy, framed certificate, and a VIP trip to Oktoberfest in September.

Now in their fifth year, the Awards for Excellence celebrate industry successes and innovation across the Thwaites’ portfolio.