HE has kept successive Archbishops of York refreshed after a busy day at the palace, raised more than £100,000 for charity and kept the sparks flying at the village bonfire.

Now Geordie landlord Gordon Watkins has been honoured by the local community and real ale campaigners for clocking up 25 years behind the pumps at the Ebor Inn, Bishopthorpe.

The 57-year-old father-of-two, who is also a parish councillor, is believed to have started one of York's first pub quizzes when he took over in 1981.

He has also generated more than £100,000 for local good causes, including the local playgroup, following a number of fundraising events held at the pub.

More than 1,000 people regularly flock to the pub's village bonfire night which he started 22 years ago when the village community association disbanded leaving the area without a fireworks display.

Proceeds from the event are always split between various village organisations, including the Ebor Players, which Gordon founded. He is now president of this theatre group which has staged pantomimes in the village hall for the last 12 years.

Gordon said the last four Archbishops of York were regular customers at the pub, including the current primate, Dr John Sentamu.

"They have really supported the pub along with the staff at Bishopthorpe Palace," he said.

"I like to be involved in village life so I know what's going on and can tell my customers.

"I always offer a sympathetic ear to anyone who comes in for a half.

"I will continue doing what I do - we are well-known as the locals' local.

"My oldest customer is 92."

Representatives from the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) presented Gordon with a long-service award and praised him for keeping locals happy with a delicious pint of Samuel Smiths.

Locals were planning to throw Gordon a huge party at the Ebor tonight to mark his 25-year milestone

In 1997, Gordon's pub scooped Samuel Smith's national Pub In Bloom award for the ninth time - thanks to the spadework of his ex-wife, Lynn.

The pub features a big garden and play area, an array of flowers at both the back and front, hanging baskets, tubs and window boxes.

Updated: 10:48 Saturday, March 18, 2006