EVERYTHING'S coming up roses down at the Ross's Arms.

The colourful Astley pub followed up its recent 'Best Pub in Bloom' success with runner-up spot in a national competition to find the best family pub.

Delighted Ross's hosts Joan and Peter Dodd picked up the latest award from Allied Domecq at the Forest of Arden Country Club.

The Higher Green-fingered pub topped 600 rivals for the Best Pub in Bloom title and were unlucky to miss out on the national Best Family Pub title.

They still managed to beat hundreds of rivals to grab runner-up spot thanks to a combination of top class pub and restaurant facilities.

Judges were impressed by the high standards set by the smallest pub in the finals noting it was "the only pub where every square inch of space has been utilised".

And they marvelled at the fact that Joan was only the sixth licensee in the Ross's 142 year history.

"To say we're delighted is an understatement. It's brilliant," said Peter.

"But the pub would be nothing without a smashing bunch of customers. We'd like to thank them for helping make the Ross's what it is."

And some of those regulars got on their bikes for a day's ride to the seaside and back raising a commendable £1,000 for the pub's favourite Royal Manchester Children's Hospital charity fund.

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