LANDLORD Gareth Richards and landlady Jo Yates were celebrating today after the Flag Inn, Bromley Cross, was named pub of the year for the second time by Bolton Evening News readers.

They first won the award 12 months ago and retained the title after hundreds of customers voted for them again in the paper's annual competition.

After being presented with a commemorative plaque by editor Steve Hughes and entertainment advertising executive Vicky Boak, 33-year-old Gareth said: "The secret to having a good pub is having a good set of regulars.

"We have some some very loyal customers here and they make it a place where new faces are always welcome."

Gareth and Jo looked after pubs in Manchester and Horwich before becoming managers at The Flag, on Hardman's Lane, two years ago. They soon became popular with the locals and their pub, which offers a selection of cask ales, is busy every night.

Jo, aged 29, said: "This is a cracking little place. There's a real sense of community among the regulars and we've really felt at home since we arrived."

The award came as no surprise to John Kennedy, one of The Flag's regulars. He said: "I had an idea Gareth and Jo would win. They really look after their customers and the rest of the staff are great as well."