A PUB which doubles as the village post office and shop has been named the best community local in the region.

The Hare and Hounds, in Layer Breton, has been named Best Community Pub for the East Anglia and the Midlands in the British Pub Awards.

Owner Mark King, who has been there five years, said:“We’re over the moon. All the customers were here when we found out. They were all congratulating us and shaking my hand.”

The pub, which has six staff, also organises a fireworks display, a fete and a number of charity fundraisers.

In May, it raised £40,000 for Great Notley teenager Olivia Coughlan, 15, who had a leg amputated after being diagnosed with a cancerous bone tumour.

The pub will pick up its award, and find out if it has won the national prize, at a ceremony in London’s Park Lane next month.