THE manager of a village hall says he is nervous to see if it wins a national award.

The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has named Appleton Thorn Village Hall as one of the top four clubs in the UK.

CAMRA promotes real ales and has more than 180,000 members across the world.

Chris Massey, 29, manages the bar at the village hall in Stretton Road and is no stranger to the dedication needed to come out on top.

He said: "We've been in this position before and we're both excited and nervous – we'll have a big awards ceremony if we win!

"I took over from my parents three years ago so this will be my first national win if we do.

"We're judged on the quality of real ale/cider/perry, the range of real ale/cider/perry, service and welcome, meeting with CAMRA aims and value for money."

The village hall has been the local and regional club of the year 10 times, the cider and perry club of the year four times and won national club of the year in 2008, despite being finalists in 2012, 2014 and 2017.

Nick Bosley, CAMRA regional director for Merseyside and Cheshire said: “Very much at the heart of the community for the village, the hall hosts multiple community events such as pre-school, school of dance, mums and tots, guides, brownies and rainbows, yoga and even a rehearsal room for Vale Royal String Orchestra.”

This year it is up against Real Ale Farm in Caerphilly, Canine Club in Accrington and Egham United Services Club in Surrey.

The four finalists were presented with a commemorative plate at the recent Club Mirror Awards and will have to wait until spring to discover which will be named CAMRA’s Club of the Year.

Appleton Thorn Village Hall bar is open Thursday to Sunday from 7.30pm until 10.30pm with an additional 1pm until 4pm on Sundays.