Two co-publicans became finalists at this year’s British Institute of Innkeeping Licensee of the Year Awards.

Stuart Fox and Julian Crowley, of The White Horse in Dover, beat hundreds of entries across the country and made it into the top six for this year’s competition.

The awards, run by the BII, recognise the best within hospitality, recognising and rewarding those licensees who run thriving successful businesses across the country.

Mr Fox said: “It is amazing to have reached the final at this year’s awards, and for our hard work and efforts to be recognised. Myself, Julian, and the team really put our all into The White Horse to make it the best it can be, and I am very proud of everyone's efforts.”

Mr Crowley said: "The White Horse means so much to both Stuart and I and it is great to be able to let more people know about our work and what we have to offer here."

Nick Light, managing director of White Horse owners Stonegate Group Pub Partners, added: “The White Horse is a great example of a successful partnership business that serves its local community well.

The awards event was held at the HAC (Honourable Artillery Company) Royal Artillery Gardens in central London on Tuesday, June 21, and incorporated into the annual BII Summer Event.

The competition ended with six pubs, which had double or single licensees, reaching the final. Mr Fox and Mr Crowley were runners-up and those in charge of the Heron Inn in Malpas, Cornwall, were the ultimate winners.

The pub, in St James' Street, is a Grade II listed building dating dates back to 1365.

It was originally the home of the Verger to St James' Church and became The White Horse Inn from 1818.

Historic records show that the cellar was used as a mortuary and inquests on bodies recovered from the sea were said to have been heard in the rear dining rooms.

The pub survived unscathed during both world wars although the neighbouring St James' Church was then wrecked.