A VILLAGE pub has been given an award for excellence - for the third year running.

The George and Dragon in Heighington, near Darlington, recently received its third Cask Marque.

The prestigious Cask Marque is awarded following unannounced visits to check the temperature, appearance, aroma and taste of available ales.

The pub’s landladies Karen Mitchellson and Samantha Spence and bar manager Steve Metcalfe are thrilled at meeting the high standards once again.

Mr Metcalfe said: “I am absolutely delighted as we attained the perfect score of 80 out of a possible 80 marks.”

For more information about the pub, visit georgeanddragonheighingtonvillage.co.uk.