Walsall pub crowned Most Popular Pub of the Year

The Crown, Anchor Rd, Aldridge, was named the winner after fending off fierce competition.

The competition, now in its third year, saw pubs enter the search to find the most popular pubs in the Black Country and Mid Staffordshire.

Customers collected tokens in the Express and Star and placed their vote on who wins the award.

Mike Glover-Johnson, general manager of the pub, said: "It means a lot to myself and the team.

"We've put a lot of hard work in re-engaging the community, looking at events to put on and how it's received in the community.

"We've done a big project on listening to what the community wants and it shows we're on the way to achieving that.

"It's recognition for a lot of hard work."

Mr Glover-Johnson said the pub had focused on the community to improve.

He said: "I've been here just over three months and we've really made a focus on working with the community for people of different all ages - the old and the young.

"We do additional needs discos every month for children, adults and their carers which is quite popular.

"It's not about money, it's about the pub being used by the community for something positive.

"We've raised over £2,500 for local charities. We do charity car washes, regular events for charities, and tribute nights - a variety of things."

The award is currently placed on a table near the bar and will later go on the wall.

Runners up

The Shire Oak, Lichfield Rd, Walsall, came in second with Horse & Jockey, Walsall Rd, Walsall, finishing third.

Daniel Condon, publican at The Shire Oak for almost two years, said: "It's very good. Definitely it's a bit of a shame we're not first.

"We're happy we've done brilliantly.

"It's down to hard work and a good team. It's a local family pub and we're all working hard as a team.

"We're all from different areas, too. I come from West Bromwich and we come together as a a team and it's like a family and they're amazing.

"Everyone has put in a good graft working together.

"We have a relaxed atmosphere that keeps everyone happy."

Mr Condon said the pub had undergone 'massive changes'.

He added: "It's gone from a once quiet pub and into a thriving business. Families come from the area and it's brilliant. It's gone very well.

"It started off quite slow and we're just getting that family feel and getting it to a nice environment for people to come in and relax.

The Horse and Jockey, Walsall Road, Walsall Wood, finished third in the competition.

Gareth Fleet, the landlord of The Horse and Jockey, said: "We're very grateful to the customers.

"We're pretty proud to be honest.

"It's stuff like this that makes all the hard work worth it.

"It's down to hard work and persistence."