STAFF at a South Somerset pub are ‘delighted’ after being named as a finalist in the ‘Rural Oscars’.

The Countryside Alliance Awards 2019, also known as the Rural Oscars, have named the Candlelight Inn as one of their top pubs in the region.

There were more than 17,000 nominations for this year’s gongs, and the Bishopswood pub has been picked as one of the top firms.

Mike Rose, who runs the pub, said: “We were clearly very delighted, it is a huge honour.

“It is great that the Candlelight Inn has been recognised by the Countryside Alliance Awards.

“It really is a great achievement.”

The pub has also just been named as a finalist in the Somerset Life Food and Drink Awards, and picked up a Taste of the West gold certificate for pub dining recently too.

“We have also joined the Muddy Stilettos family, so hopefully that will also see more awards coming our way,” Mike added.

“This has kicked off our year in a spectacular fashion.”

The Candlelight Inn is renowned for its annual beer festival held for charity.

Last year’s event saw more than £6,000 raised for St Margaret’s Hospice.

Mike and his team were presented with a cheque by local celebrity Val Stone, from the Great British Bake-Off.

This year’s Candlelight Beer Festival is set to take place from May 24 to 27.