A RUNCORN pub steeped in history has won a top accolade.

The Royal Oak on Lambsickle Lane has been named Pub of the Year 2017 by the Halton Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

David Grey, chairman of Halton CAMRA, said: “What makes the pub stand out is the exceptional stewardship of Terry Hamblett and Sharon Bates who, with a dedicated regular clientele, always give a warm welcome to their visitors.

“Two real ales are kept that have been judged to be served in very good condition and a real cider is also usually on draft.

“Often one of the real ales is Sharp’s Doom Bar, with a second rotating guest ale.”

The coveted award follows a rigorous impartial process in which more than 200 CAMRA members and visitors assess the quality of the real ale served and the welcome given.

During the course of a recent refurbishment a stone was uncovered on the outside of the pub with ‘TC 1865’ carved into it.

David added: “It refers to the date of the pub’s building and TC is believed to refer to its first licensee Thomas Carson, who was from Enniskillen in Ireland and ran the pub from 1865 to 1874.”