WITH pigeon fanciers, men's and women's darts, football teams, a fishing club and even a motorcycle racing team, it's a wonder they've got space at the Clifton Hotel for a trophy.

But bosses Paul Watson and Jo Hodges have beaten off competition from 750 other pubs across the country to win Avebury Taverns' community pub of the year award.

The couple were praised by the judges for their great hospitality and of course their work with the community - in whatever form it takes.

The pub, in Water Lane, Clifton, runs a dizzying number of sports teams as well as a golf society and those groups mentioned earlier.

In case those activities don't appeal, there are also regular quiz nights, bingo sessions, and karaoke competitions, where the prize fund sometimes tops £400.

"When we took over the pub five years ago, we spent a lot of time talking to the regulars to find out what they wanted from their local," said Paul.

"As a result, we now run a host of clubs, societies and sports teams and have entertainment most nights of the week."

Paul and Jo learned of their success at a posh ceremony in Warwickshire. As well as a trophy and certificate, they are jetting off on an all-expenses-paid trip to Helsinki.

Avebury Taverns boss Stephen Reah said the couple, who won the overall Pub of the Year title only two years ago, were "worthy winners".

Congratulations to both of them.

- On the subject of awards, The Tap and Spile in Monkgate has scooped winter town pub of the season in the ever-present CAMRA awards.

It's not like landlord Jack Merry to shun the limelight, but in a remarkable moment of magnanimity, he has named apprentice Jamie Peak as the secret of his success.

The teenage prodigy has helped keep the freshly-refurbished pub running on top form, while at the same time completing an NVQ level two diploma in pub management.

Jack said he was "well chuffed" with the news, which follows an excellent year's trading and some diverse events including an Elvis festival as well as a pork pie tasting day.

But that still doesn't excuse the stuffed olives that are on sale behind the bar of your other pub, The Ackhorne, young Merry. Whatever happened to pork scratchings?

- Finally, young entrepreneur Andrew Knights has been in touch following our revelations about the £3,000 cost of installing a stair lift at The Yorkshire Terrier.

He has shelled out almost £30,000 creating disabled facilities at trendy Dusk, in New Street, and said the work has been worth every penny.

Baring in mind that he has spent almost £100,000 transforming the former bistro to create a relaxed eating environment, he certainly knows how to spend his cash.

His bank manager will be pleased to hear that business is picking up, with lots of drinkers taking advantage of table service and competitive prices.

The summer season is expected to bring even busier times when the street terrace comes into its own, and he may be one of the first licensees to take advantage of extra drinking hours.

The precedent has been set. On New Year's Eve he opened until the early hours with overworked bar staff dropping by for a well-earned drink.

This year he plans to open for 36 hours, or "from dusk till dawn till dusk again" as he puts it. Good work, Andrew.

Updated: 08:36 Saturday, February 05, 2005