The Unicorn on Cublington High Street scooped the top prize in AVDC's annual Village Pub Competition.

Now in its tenth year, the competition recognises the important role that village pubs play in community life, especially if there are few other local meeting places.

All the pubs that enter are judged on everything from the friendliness of the welcome to the quality of food and drink on offer. In the case of The Unicorn, the judges were particularly impressed by the range of activities and outdoor facilities provided.

The Eight Bells in Long Crendon was named Community Pub of the Year and The Betsey Wynne in Swanbourne won Food Pub of the Year.

Cllr Pam Pearce, Cabinet Member for Community Matters, chaired the judging panel. She said: "Well done to everyone who has made the effort to enter the competition. It was a very hard fought contest and the standard of entries was exceptionally high. The judges had a very difficult job choosing the eventual winner. Congratulations to everyone involved in a very successful competition."

Steve George, owner of the Unicorn, said: "This award is the result of the enormous amount of hard work of our staff in creating an environment where customers feel welcome, comfortable and where they get great value for money."

A further 14 pubs were commended including The Chandos Arms, Oakley; Plough, Marsh Gibbon; The Wheatsheaf, Maids Moreton; The Old Fisherman, Shabbington; King & Queen, Wendover; The Lion, Waddesdon; The Bell, Bierton; The Crown, Great Horwood; The Chandos Arms, Weston Turville; The Swan, Great Horwood; The Bell, Stoke Mandeville; Partridge Arms, Aston Clinton; The Swan, Stewkley; and The Queen's Head, Wing.

Details of all the winning and commended pubs will appear in the council's guide to recommended pubs in Aylesbury Vale. Copies of this guide will be available from tourist information centres, libraries and other venues across the district from January 2009.

Does your local pub deserve to win an award?

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