A BAR manager who guided his staff through stormy waters could be in line for a top award.

Ben Lovett, assistant manager at the Guy Fawkes Inn in High Petergate, York, is the latest nominee in The Press Pub Awards 2009/10, which aim to reward the best staff and pubs in our region.

Mr Lovett was nominated for the Landlord Of The Year title by colleague and York CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) member Karen Hannah, who praised his dedication to the pub.

The Guy Fawkes was one of two businesses that went into administration when York entrepreneur David Hattersley lost his business empire earlier this year, but Mr Lovett was praised for keeping it going under the administrators.

Karen said: “Ben has kept the Guy Fawkes alive through all that it has gone through, maintaining the beer quality and high standards that the pub has become renowned for.

“Through thick and thin, faced with a string of short term managers, then going into administration, he has kept the place running whilst supporting his own young family.

“Through all the uncertainties and challenges he has single-handedly kept the place up and running since it was taken over by the de Bretton Group.

“Ben truly deserves some acknowledgement for his true dedication and determination to serving cask ales at their peak of perfection, and for someone who a few years ago would never have considered cask ales as his preferred tipple he is now dedicated to the cause.”

There is still plenty of time to get your votes in for the Pub Awards, for any one or more of the categories listed here.

To make a nomination, complete the entry form or email gavin.aitchison@thepress.co.uk – make sure you include your name and contact details (phone or email) as well as the name of the pub you are nominating, and your reasons.

The awards are open to all pubs in the circulation area of The Press. Usual rules and conditions apply. The editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.