THE Cricketers Arms was crowned pub of the year for the third successive time as the town's real ale scene was celebrated at an annual awards night.

The St Helens Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) Pub of the Year awards were held last Friday (May 27) at the Cricketers.

The evening saw the Cricks honoured as it made it a hat-trick of wins for the main award.

Other pubs which were recognised on the night included the revamped Talbot Ale House, which was revived from almost closing last October.

Also the News Room on Duke Street was praised for building on the progress it had made.

Others acknowledged on the night were The Abbey on Hard Lane, the Sefton Arms, Brown Edge, Phoenix Inn and the Turk’s Head.

Meanwhile, Andy and Denise Evans of the Cricketers were on hand to collect the Pub of the Year award, receiving praise for constant improvement over the past few years.

St Helens CAMRA branch chairman Alan Healey said: “These award winners are the very best pubs we have in our area as they represent just the top 10 per cent of real ale pubs.

"In our area it is very difficult to win- as we have several pubs that would be considered outstanding at a national level.

"We are very lucky to have such great publicans who love their pubs and work tirelessly to ensure they are the best they can be.

"If you haven’t visited these pubs yet I very much recommend that you do and see the best that the town has to offer.”