DAVE and Pat Balcombe of the St Anne's Castle in Great Leighs are celebrating after winning the UK pub sign of the year.

The pub was nominated for the Inn Sign Society's annual award by a customer who entered a photograph of the sign in the competition. After winning the East Anglian section at the end of last year, the St Anne's Castle made it through to the UK final with Dave and Pat told they'd won the national title a fortnight ago.

"We were pretty chuffed when we found out," said Dave. "We've been here 10 years and we'd been after a new sign for ages."

The sign depicts St Anne, the mother of the Virgin Mary in Catholic tradition, and reflects the inn's former status as a stop-off point for travelling pilgrims.

The historic pub, which has a licence dating back to 1171, has previously won awards for its outstanding contribution to music in the area and is now listed in CAMRA's Good Beer Guide as well.

At any one time the pub will have four ales available and these are sourced from all over the country.

One of the pub's biggest events of the year is its garden party in August which features a variety of bands and acts throughout the day. Last year, it raised £5,000 for Essex Air Ambulance.

The pub is also well-known for being haunted with stories that the ghost of a witch makes occasional visits but despite this you can be sure Dave and Pat will always offer a friendly welcome.

For bookings and to find out more at www.stannescastle.co.uk or call 01245 361253