A Sheppey venue has scooped the title of Kent Dining Pub of the Year.

The Ferry House Inn, Harty, was nominated for the category in this year’s Taste of Kent Awards.

It was put forward by customers and was up against more than 80 other contenders across the county before being put into the final three after a public vote.

The three top pubs were then told they would be visited by a secret judge and they would decide the best one.

Staff found out they had won at an awards bash at the Kent County Showground, Detling, on Thursday evening.

As well as being able to boast the title for a year, they also got a trophy and certificate to display at the pub in Harty Ferry Road.

General manager Victoria McCabe said they are all delighted as it’s the first time the inn has ever been nominated for anything.

She said: “It’s excellent news and it’s good for an Island business.”