A BOLTON pub couple have won a national award for outstanding community spirit.

The Canary Tavern in Little Lever, one of 800 Avebury Taverns pubs, won the "Best Community Pub" title because of its friendly staff and a recent £100,000 refurbishment.

Judith Rowlands and Gary Bennett, who have run the pub for nearly five years, said: "It's great to win the award and it proves what a welcoming pub we are." The couple received their award at a ceremony at The Belfry in Warwickshire, where they were presented with a crystal vase and a holiday in Jerez, Spain.