Excellent food and a friendly atmosphere have helped a Beckermet pub become the best in Cumbria.

The White Mare was recognised by the National Pub and Bar Awards and will now represent the county at an award ceremony in London.

Owner Dianne Irving reopened the pub in May 2015 following a £400,000 makeover.

She said: "I am absolutely delighted for my staff and the village of Beckermet that we have been recognised in this way. I would never have dared to dream that we would be so successful in just one year.

"Since our Head Chef, Jon Fell, joined us in September last year, we have gone from strength to strength."

The grand final - organised by Pub & Bar magazine - will see 94 county winners gather at the BAFTA theatre on Tuesday, May 24. Twelve regional winners will be announced alongside the overall National Pub of the Year.

Tristan O'Hana, judge and editor of Pub & Bar magazine, said: "Cumbria is full of amazing pubs and the competition was extremely high, so it's a real accolade for The White Mare to have been selected as the best in the county."