TWO Stoke Prior publicans have picked up a prestigious prize in a national gardening competition.

Boat and Railway licensees Moira and George Fairfax-Watts scooped a special award for their hanging baskets.

The colourful floral displays at the Shaw Lane pub have won the Union Pub Company prize for best hanging baskets so many times that judges decided to create a special award for continued excellence.

The couple were unable to attend the celebratory lunch at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens but reg-ional manager Anth-ony Sharples visited the canalside pub to congratulate them.

Moira said: "Receiving this award is a great thrill."