GLASSES have been raised at a Kidderminster boozer after being named the best community pub of the year.

Ye Olde Seven Stars, in Coventry Street, won the title in the West Midlands and Wales region of the BT Sport Great British Pub Awards 2013.

The pub, run by Matthew Copeman, will go forward to the final next month where Mr Copeman will go head to head with five other regional winners for the title of UK Best Com-munity Pub 2013. He will also have the chance to compete for the overall title Great British Pub of the Year at the finals in London.

Mr Copeman, who holds regular activities at the pub such as quiz nights, said his success was “fantastic news for the pub and Kidderminster as a whole”.

He added: “It’s something that’s great to have recognition for. It’s not just us but all the customers.

If they don’t get involved, then nothing happens but thanks to their continued involvement and support of the pub and all the activities we put forward it means that we’ve formed a great community here.”

He added: “I think we won because as well as the activities, it’s the uniqueness of our ability to stand out and do what we do but do it different and well.”

Rob Willock,of pub industry magazine, the Publican’s Morning Advertiser, which organised the awards, said: “The award recognises the community pub that has best served its neighbourhood and grown trade in the past year. The pub runs numerous fund-raising events with all proceeds going to Kemp Hospice.

“It is also a base for a variety of groups, including Kidderminster Choral Society, Severn Valley Railway volunteers and Kidderminster Male Voice Choir.

“It also stages events for its regulars including meet the brewer evenings, quiz nights, garden parties and a monthly cook-off where customers bring their own prepared food to share at the table with others.The pub is at the heart of the community and is a very worthy winner of the award.”