Ex-football star lands pub prize

A Hednesford pub run by a former Wolves footballer has scooped a prestigious award for the second time in two years.

The Cross Keys in Hill Street has picked up the 'Pub of the Year' award for 2010 from the Walsall branch of Camra.

It also received the award in 2008.

Former Hednesford Town player and manager Chris Brindley has been landlord at the pub for 13 years.

Mr Brindley, aged 41, who also managed Stafford Rangers, said: "Obviously we're very pleased to have picked up this award.

"At the weekend we always have eight real ales and stock four the rest of the week. The real ale trade is the only part of the industry increasing at the moment."

Mr Brindley said the community feel to the pub was one of the key factors for loyal punters.

"It's probably one of the oldest pubs around but we feel it's a good atmosphere here" he said.