ALTHOUGH there could only be one winner of our Pub of the Year 2019 competition, the staff at every single watering hole which was put forward for the award can be proud.

That's because it took time to nominate or vote for a pub in the contest, and so the fact that a customer made that effort to show their support is a real sign of approval.

Hundreds of votes were cast for winners for each of the Stroud News & Journal, Wilts & Glos Standard and Gloucestershire Gazette areas, and the competition has shown how highly people value a good pub.

Pubs have always been community hubs just as much as places to drink and eat, and that's the case now more than ever due to government funding cuts which have led to many community centres being forced to shut down.

For many people, going down the pub for a pint and a chat is the only face-to-face social interaction they have some days.

That's why we must continue to champion our local pubs to make sure they survive – and why Pub of the Year will return in 2020.