A VILLAGE pub in Sussex has been recognised as the best in Britain after scooping a top accolade.

The Bull in Ditchling fought off stiff competition to claim two awards in the Great British Pub Awards including Pub of the Year.

The East Sussex pub beat more than a thousand pubs across the UK to take the prestigious title at what is known as the industry equivalent of The Oscars.

Licensee Dominic Worrall told The Argus: “I’m chuffed to bits. Where to I start? I’m thrilled, shocked. We’ve never entered anything before, not even the egg and spoon race, and to have won.

"Last night 600 people stood up and applauded the team and I couldn’t have been more proud."

The Bull also took home the title of Free house of the Year from the awards which were held on Wednesday night in Park Lane, London, and saw 88 finalists across 16 categories.

Ed Bedington, editor of The Morning Advertiser which organises the awards, said: “We’re delighted to announce The Bull as our winner of Great British Pub of the Year. This is a stunning pub and one that more than deserves the title."

The Bull is one of the oldest buildings in Ditchling, dating back to the 16th century.

It was a popular stop for the London to Brighton coaches in the early 19th century as the last stop before the gruelling ascent over Ditchling Beacon.

Mr Worrall and his wife Vanessa took the pub over in 2003 and he puts their current success down to two main factors.

He said: “It’s a testament to our staff. I have to say that. We’ve had this site for 13 years and I have guys there who have been with us from the start. Their love for what they do and of the industry epitomises what we stand for. And our loyal customers have willed us on. The people make it. The team and the customers together create something unique, our atmosphere.”

Mr Bedington said: “The Bull is the kind of place that everyone wishes was their local, and we’d like to congratulate Dom and his team on running such a superb site, offering great beers, great atmosphere and great food.”

The Great British Pub Awards celebrates success across the pub trade and looks to recognise stand out operators in an incredibly diverse and competitive field.