THE Cricketers in Rainham, near Gillingham, has been awarded the Pub of the Year award by the Greene King Pub Company. The pub was crowned the best of 600 other rivals at an awards ceremony at the Hilton in Birmingham. More than 1,200 people saw managers Mick and Dilly O'Leary pick up the prize.

The pair, who took over the reins at the pub four years ago, have seen business rise by more than 80 per cent during that time. A holiday for two, worth £4,000, and an all-expenses paid staff party was their reward. The Cricketers was praised for the hard work of the staff and for its "tremendous atmosphere".

£200,000 has already been earmarked for refurbishment in the coming year. Neil Gillis, managing director of the Greene King Pub Company, said: "The Pub of the Year award is the highest accolade we can bestow on any pub and Mick and Dilly thoroughly deserve this recognition."