The heartening success stories of our region's pubs in a tough economic climate have been lauded at an awards ceremony hosted by regional brewer Adnams.

Pubs in Southwold, Geldeston, Blyford and Reydon were feted as the Railway in Aldeburgh won the top accolade, Adnams Pub of the Year.

Addressing the winners at the Swan Hotel in Southwold today, Adnams' operations director Karen Hester said: 'This has been another tough year for the hospitality industry but there are many success stories. 'The Adnams Pub Awards allow us to take a step back and celebrate the hard work and commitment of our pub tenants.

'All our winners operate at the heart of their community, offering fantastic local food and great Adnams products. We congratulate all our finalists.'

She said the Railway, run by Karl and Shirley Barber, was 'a shining example of all that exemplifies the Great British Pub'.

It offered 'the warmest welcome to all, beautiful floral displays throughout the year and perfectly kept beer in a spotless cellar'.

Among the other winners, Best Floral Display went to the Wherry, in Geldeston, run by Matt and Trina Pitt, the judges noting that 'the floral displays are still flowering – amazing as we are now in cold November'.

Best Kept Cellar went to the Lord Nelson, in Southwold, run by David and Gemma Sanchez, which the judges noted sells a phenomenal amount of beer, proving it has 'a perfect cellar keeper with a passion for doing things right'.

Best Newcomer award went to Lee and Marie Knight at the Queens Head, Blyford, for their work in rapidly transforming a 'pretty but previously unloved pub into a welcoming, friendly place to visit with fantastic food'.

An Overcoming Adversity award went to The Harbour Inn, in Southwold, where landlord Nick Attfield had to spend hours pumping and sweeping flood water out of his pub until the early hours of many a morning, still managing to open his doors on time the following day.

The Charity Fund-raising award went to The Randolph, in Reydon, run by David and Donna Smith, for its consistent efforts.