IT enjoys one of the most tranquil settings any drinker could wish for, and has been run by the same landlady for more than 60 years.

Now, having already scooped two York awards this year, the little Ferry Boat Inn has gone one better – by being named the best pub in all Yorkshire.

The family-run free house, which stands on the banks of the River Derwent at Thorganby, has beaten off competition from north, south, east and west to be named Yorkshire Pub of the Year 2010 by the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra).

It now goes into a “super-regional” final against three other northern pubs, and hopefully on to the national final next February.

The Ferry Boat has had the same licensee, Olive Rogers, since 1948, although much of the day-to-day work is now done by her daughter and son-in-law, Jackie and Phil Williamson.

The pub has become increasingly popular with local drinkers in recent years, boasting an impressive selection of beers and a vast garden that slopes down to the waterfront.

It is the third success in just a few months for the inn, which won the best outdoor area title in The Press Pub Awards 2009/10 and was named York Pub of the Year by the city’s Camra branch.

Its latest triumph is announced today, to coincide with the launch of Camra’s Good Beer Guide 2011. The news was kept secret from the pub until late last night, but Phil and Jackie were expected to be congratulated by local Camra representatives today at the opening of the York Beer and Cider Festival on Knavesmire.

The Good Beer Guide judges said: “This warm and welcoming local CAMRA award-winning pub is in a beautiful rural setting with a large beer garden running down to the River Derwent.

“It is popular with birdwatchers, ramblers and cyclists, while the river attracts fishermen and boaters.”

They also praised the landlady’s home-made sandwiches and the landlord’s “meticulous attention” to his guest beers. The Yorkshire title had been won in the past two years by the Kelham Island Tavern, in Sheffield, which had gone on both times to win the national award.

Matt Grant, chairman of York Camra, said: “I am absolutely delighted for Phil and Jackie. I visited for the first time only about two years ago and straight away it was one of my favourites. For them to have knocked the reigning national champions off the top Yorkshire spot is fantastic.”