A PUB boss is in the running for glory after being short-listed in a national contest. Sue Newfield, manager of Maidstone-based Hanrahans - part of the Laurel pub group - is a finalist in the Laurel League of Champions.

She has been nominated in the Food Champion of the Year category in the company's inaugural award programme. Hanrahans is one of only six businesses - out of a total estate of 606 - reach the final stages.

Victory would land Sue a trip to the island of Mauritius. The awards have been designed to recognise and reward Laurel's best people and businesses. The winners are being announced at an awards ceremony at the end of May.

The Laurel Pub Company was formed in May 2001 and is the fifth largest pub operator in the country. The estate includes 1,872 leased pubs (Laurel Pub Partnerships) and 606 managed.