Manager Tyson Marshall and deputy manager Todd Fleetwood at The Little Brown Jug

Regulars at two Kent pubs are raising a glass to landlords - after being shortlisted for a national award.

The Little Brown Jug, on Chiddington Causeway, has made the shortlist of the industry's most prestigious competition after impressing a panel of expert judges.

Staff must now wait to see if they have clinched the national title at the Great British Pub Awards on September 9.

It has already won the title for the south east region and is now competing against the top managed pubs from seven other regions.

The Fighting Cocks in Horton Kirby has scored a double triumph by reaching the finals in two categories.

It made the shortlist for both Best Turnaround Pub and Best Tenanted or Leased Pub after impressing a panel of expert judges.

Little Brown Jug manager Tyson Marshall, originally from Australia and who has been at the pub for 18 months, is thrilled to be shortlisted.

He said: "We’ve worked hard to create a pub that customers want to visit. I’m grateful to my team of fantastic staff who have put us into the finals for this top Award."

Since Tyson took over at The Little Brown Jug, takings have soared by almost a third.