THEY'RE the toast of the town! That's the landlord and landlady of the Garsdale pub and restaurant in Bury who popped the champagne corks to celebrate a special occasion.

Gillian and David Heyes have scooped the title of the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) Licensees of the Year 2004. And the regulars will share in the £1,000 prize which is being used to throw a celebratory party at the pub.

It's the latest accolade that Gillian and David have won in recognition of the way they run the popular Woodhill Road hostelry.

In February, the Garsdale lifted the Morning Advertiser's family pub of the year award. In 2002, the couple had won the trade newspaper's business development accolade.

Since taking over the helm three years ago, the couple have transformed a struggling community pub into a thriving local. They have undertaken a refurbishment and have introduced a strict family feel to the premises.

The Heyes fought off extremely tough competition from five other regional winners to take the BII's top award, the pub industry's Oscar.

It is the first time the award has been brought to the north west.