THE owners of a North Yorkshire pub have proved they are “punching above their weight” after winning a regional award.

Graham Usher and Martin Firth from the Drovers Arms in Skipwith, near Selby, picked up the Punch Taverns Best New Business Award for the North, in recognition of the way they have turned around the fortunes of the mid-19th century inn.

Sarah Dinning, Punch Taverns New Business manager, said: “The New Business Award for the North goes to Graham and Martin, who are some of the most hardworking publicans we have seen.

“In the first year they have turned their business into a must visit food destination. Even more amazing is that they have done this while both holding down full time jobs.

“Their mission is to do something amazing every day, which they have certainly achieved. They have impeccable retail standards, offer great customer service and are a pleasure to work with.”

Mr Usher, whose day job is managing the Best Western Monkbar Hotel in York, said: “We are thrilled to have won this award from Punch Taverns, and it is a real tribute to the great team we have here.

“It was always my dream to own and run a country pub, and, when the Drovers came on the market at the end of 2013, we jumped at the opportunity.

“Over the last year we have put a lot of hard work and effort into making the Drovers a must-visit for food and real ale lovers, and these efforts are paying dividends.”

Mar Firth, whose day job is at British Gas, added: “The last 12 months have been both exciting and challenging and I’m delighted our work has been recognised.

“Last July we were named as one of the winners of the Trip Advisor Excellence Awards for 2014, and now we have this to add to our successes.”