A TOWN centre pub has been given a glowing reference after picking up a prestigious award.

The Old English Gentleman was this week announced as the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) North West Essex branch Pub of the Year 2012.

The Gold Street establishment was selected by members for the ‘consistently excellent quality and range of beer, its ambience and welcoming atmosphere and its consistent adherence to the campaign’s principles’.

CAMRA branch chairman Peter Stanley said: “We are delighted to present this award to the OEG, reflecting as it does the hard work and commitment shown over a number of years by licensee Jeff Leach.

“It is also appropriate, on the eve of the launch of CAMRA’s national Community Pubs Month, that our award should go to a town centre pub that is, in every sense of the word, a community pub.

“At a time when many pubs including some in Saffron Walden, are closing or under severe threat, Jeff has shown that a well-managed pub serving outstanding beer can thrive.”

Mr Leach was delighted with the award, adding: “After 14 years at the OEG we could not have received a more worthwhile accolade.”