A PUB in Buckinghamshire has been announced as a finalist in the CAMRA Central Southern England Pub of the Year Competition.

The Bird in Hand pub in Princes Risborough celebrated being named a finalist earlier this week, having been presented with a certificate by local CAMRA members.

Graham Hards, South Oxfordshire chairman, lauded the pub's efforts of outshining amid fierce competition to secure its place as the Buckinghamshire Pub of the Year.

Graham described this recognition as "an excellent achievement".

He said: “The Central Southern region covers a large area of the country from Swindon to Slough east to west and from Banbury to Reading north to south.

"To be recognised as one of CAMRA’s top three pubs among several thousand others is an excellent achievement.

"CAMRA recognises the amazing efforts of publicans like Katie to provide welcoming community pubs for local people as well as serving great beer.”

Katie Baldock, general manager of the Bird in Hand, accepted the certificate.

She takes pride in providing a welcoming community pub which also made it to the CAMRA's Good Beer Guide.

Looking forward, the local CAMRA branch is paving the way for commemorating fifty years since its establishment in Buckinghamshire.

They are keen on reconnecting with members from the early days in the mid-70s to join a planned celebration later this year.

Those interested are encouraged to visit the branch's website (avw.camra.org.uk) for more information.