A HUMBLE village club has claimed an ultimate Campaign for Real Ale accolade by gaining entry to its coveted Beer Guide for 2020.

And it was a triple celebration for Dobcross Band and Social Club because it claimed a silver award in the recent Greater Manchester regional finals for the National Club of the Year (COTY) competition and their devoted steward John Holden received a 30-year long service award.

CAMRA’s Don Booth, making the presentations at a celebration in the club, said: “The Dobcross entry into the Good Beer Guide makes it the first club in the history of Rochdale, Oldham and Bury branch to achieve this honour.

“The club offers a warm welcome to to all and a fine range of beers.

“And in Manchester regional finals for the National Club of the Year competition, the Dobcross was only beaten by Flixton Conservative Club, the present national COTY.”

In praise of club steward John, he added: “His hard work is now starting to attract outside attention and a stream of awards.

“John’s award is in recognition of 30 years service and commitment to serving real ale in perfect condition to club members and guests.”

John said: "I’m extremely proud to have had the pleasure of running the club for the last 35 years and was delighted to be honoured by CAMRA long service award.”

Band club president Terry Lawless was especially pleased the club had made it into the Good Beer Guide.

He said: “This is just reward, not only for the dedication of John and his hard working staff, but also to the efforts of the club committee and the remarkable way they have turned around the club’s fortunes over the last few years.”