EARBY’S White Lion Inn has reached the final of national awards for the pub industry.

The pub – run by Michael and Gemma Lonsdale and owned by Punch Taverns - has been chosen to represent the North West in the best newcomer category of the Great British Pub Awards.

It is the couple’s first venture together after getting married two years ago.

The awards, run by the Publican’s Morning Advertiser, recognise licensees across the country in a broad range of categories – from the quality of their cask beer to the support they provide to their local community.

Punch’s partnership development manager Matt Dutton said: “The Great British Pub Awards reward licensees that demonstrate real excellence and we wanted to ensure that Gemma and Michael received the recognition they deserve for all their hard work and consistent effort in this field.

“We nominated the White Lion Inn in the best newcomer category as Gemma and Michael have transformed the pub into a friendly community local and have taken it from strength to strength.

“Congratulations to Gemma and Michael for reaching the final and representing North West - we’re wishing them the best of luck.”

The winner will be announced at an awards ceremony at the Hilton, London, on September 11.