HARD work, dedication and an unending commitment to good beer could lead to glory for one York pub.

The Rook & Gaskill, in Lawrence Street, has sold more than 1,000 different beers from more than 300 breweries in the past four years, and has now been nominated for the real ale category in The Press Pub Awards 2009/10.

The recommendation came from John Hirst, of nearby Walmgate, who sang the praises of both the pub and its landlord, Neil Trafford.

John said: “Nowhere else in York can you find the number, variety and quality of traditional cask-conditioned ales offered by the Rook & Gaskill. This is down to the superb cellarmanship of landlord Neil ‘Traff’ Trafford.”

He said no other pub could “come close” to the Rook & Gaskill’s range of ales and said the pub attracted a cross section of customers being popular with students and locals alike.

He added: “Traff deserves recognition for his hard work and dedication in making the ‘Rook’ without doubt the finest real ale pub in York.”

John’s nomination is just one of many that have been pouring into The Press since we launched the awards three weeks ago, but there is still plenty of time for you to get your votes in, 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 – be sure to 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.