PUNTERS enjoying a jar at the Manor Arms, in Broughton-in-Furness, are now officially drinking in one of the top 16 pubs in Britain.

The Good Beer Guide 2005, compiled by the Campaign for Real Ale, ranked the village pub the regional winner for the West Pennines patch which stretches from Manchester to Scotland.

Long-time landlord David Varty, who runs The Manor with his son Scott, said he was delighted to claim the title.

The last time the Manor won the regional title was in 1996. It will now compete with the other 15 regional winners to become the National Pub of The Year.