IT might be called Suddaby's Crown Hotel but that hasn't stopped it being named CAMRA Rural Pub of the Year for the fifth year running.

Bar manager Neil Suddaby puts the pub's success down to "hard work" and the support of a motley band of regulars.

He said: "It's just a good traditional boozer. You cannot describe our clients because there isn't any one type of person, they are all from different walks of life. It's a great crowd enjoying good conversation and good beer."

Mr Suddaby is planning to celebrate the success at the four-day beer festival which starts on Thursday, December 11. The regular winter festival attracts people from far and wide, and boasts 40 beers on the festival bar, including six from the Malton Brewery range.

Updated: 10:57 Wednesday, December 03, 2003