Long Preston’s Maypole Inn has been named pub of the year for 2010 by the Keighley and Craven branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

The judges said the inn, run by Robert and Elspeth Palmer, was a “fine example of a popular, well-run village pub that does an excellent job of balancing the needs of the local community, tourists to the southern Dales and passing traffic on the A65”.

In the 26 years the Palmers have run the inn they have won “pub of the season” accolades five times and featured in all but two of CAMRA’s annual Good Beer Guides since 1986. The pub also has cask marque accreditation.

The 17th century building sits on Maypole Green. There are four handpumps on the bar, which dispense Moorhouses and Taylor, plus two guest ales from Bowland and Copper Dragon.

And the pub has become a family enterprise as the Palmers are now assisted by their daughter, Rosie.