THE BLUE Bell pub has been awarded a prestigious award for its beer and fundraising efforts.

The pub in Fossgate has not won an award since 1994 - but this year it has been named "Camra Town pub of the Winter Season 2001".

The plaque is now hanging proudly behind the front bar. Jim and Sue Hardie who took over the pub 15 months ago are thrilled with the award.

Sue said: "We are so pleased. We really wanted to have an up-to-date award and we can't believe we've managed to do it after only being here just over a year.

"The pub used to win lots of awards and it's so good to once again be rewarded for hard work and a great pub."

Jim used to run the Golden Ball in Bishophill and Sue was a manager at a city centre travel agent shop before they took over the Blue Bell.

Sue added: "When the judges came to see us they said we had won the award for our beer and fundraising."

Last November the pub raised £550 after holding a special Remembrance Day barbecue, the money was given to Martin House children's hospice.

Sue added: "In total we have raised £5,000 last year for local charity and we only sell real ale."

Updated: 08:24 Friday, January 25, 2002