A "THRIVING community club" at a village near Kidderminster has received a prestigious award. 

The local branch of Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has handed Cookley Village Hall and Sports Club their 'Club of the Year 2023' award.

It's the first time the club has won the award and the staff are delighted with the recognition.

Wyre Forest CAMRA chairperson Rob Budworth presented the award at a typically busy night at the Club on Thursday, March 16.

He said: “It’s lovely to see a thriving community club such as this, and from a CAMRA point of view – a wide range of ales available. It is my great honour to present this well-deserved award from Wyre Forest CAMRA to the Cookley Village Hall and Sports Club – congratulations".

Manager Josh Barnes, accepting the award on behalf of the club, said: “We’re very proud and pleased to receive this award.

"It’s recognition of the great work that’s done by many people to maintain a large successful club which supports the community and its 1400 members.

"The club is a magnet for local people with a large number of teams in a wide variety of sports as well as being a facility used by community groups.

"We also have a popular beer and music festival every May and look after our members all-year-round”.