A FORMER Burnley landlady has scooped top marks in a national innkeepers' exam after 16 years pulling pints.

Helen Jury, 38, formerly of the Old Red Lion, Manchester Road, Burnley, is one of two graduates from the North West to pass the new British Institute of Innkeepers' examination for licensed hospitality and entertainments.

The exams were launched this year to formalise pub training.

She said: "It covered all the intricate licensing rules and regulations for public entertainments. We also had to consider drugs issues, health and safety along with all the legislation.

"The hardest part was having to learn the different rules which apply to London, which is not much use now but you never know for the future.

"Apparently only 50 per cent pass first time so we are delighted."

Blackburn brewery Thwaites approached Helen with the chance to do the exam as she totted up her 16th year in the pub trade.

Helen left the Burnley pub in February to work at the Red on the Square in Bolton.

She said: "After Thwaites sponsored me through the exams it was a brilliant opportunity to move to Bolton. It was a promotion for me as its a bigger pub and things are going really well."