A BOOK revealing all the pubs and alehouses that have disappeared from Swindon's streets has won an award.

The Annual Guild of British Beer Writers gave Last Orders by Campaign for Real Ale member John Stooke the gold award for best not-for-profit piece of writing in 2020.

The prize is sponsored by the brewery Harvey’s and named the Tom Paine Award after the 17th century writer who, it is believed, helped draft the American Declaration of Independence.

Judges commented on the endeavour, the degree of detailed research and the warmth that, they said, shone through on every page.

John Stooke said, “This is a huge achievement to get national recognition in this way, for what is essentially a local history book.

"The first and only print run is beginning to run out so if you still don’t have a copy the Steam Museum have stock as does WH Smith in Regent Street and the Hop Inn, although it can only open at weekends at the moment.

“Due to Covid, the normal rather lavish dinner and award ceremony in a top London hotel was relegated to Zoom - not really quite as good, but a great honour all the same”.

Fellow Swindon author Angela Atkinson said “We enjoyed John coming to Swindon Civic Voice to talk about his book 'Last Orders' in January, which seems like a lifetime ago now.

"He gave us a funny, informative and entertaining talk. His book is a thing of wonder that I urge you all to buy and support John and his charity.

"I offer my biggest congratulations to John on getting this book written and now winning this award."