A POPULAR working men's club in Clitheroe has been named the Ribble Valley's 'Club of the Year' by Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

The Low Moor Reading Room and Club in St Pauls Street, was crowned the top club by the beer group after beating dozens of competitors.

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The clubs are nominated by residents and are judged on the variety and quality of their ales, how open the club is to the community and how much it is valued to its users.

The club, which was given to residents by The Garnet Family in 1905, has been used by thousands of residents.

In the early 1960s it was granted a licence to serve alcohol and is ran by a committee, who all volunteer to keep it going.

Mick Richardson, 65, chairman and secretary of the club said it's a great step forward for everyone involved.

He said: "What makes the club popular is that it is completely run for the community.

"It's not influenced by breweries or businesses trying to make money, it's purely there for its purpose.

"We have tried to come away from selling more mainstream brands like John Smiths and Boddingtons and mainly sell real ales now, which people have really taken to.

"I'm delighted that we have gained this award and we are excited to take the next step forward.

"We are working with the National Heritage Lottery to try get a grant to help repair parts of the building and then we can help the club become more sustainable in the years to come."

CAMRA is an independent organisation campaigning for community pubs and the award is part of a national competition to find the county's best clubs.

Martin Snelling, Clitheroe CAMRA Beer Festival organiser, said: "If we didn't think this club was of a high quality it would not have been put forward.

"It's fantastic to see the Low Moor Reading Room and Club take home the award and I congratulate them.

"Real ale is coming back into fashion and its positive to see clubs are doing well as a result."