A PUB that has fed and watered weary travellers since the 14th century has been named South Worcestershire Pub of the Year 2006.

The Talbot, in Knightwick, was awarded the accolade by the Campign For Real Ale (CAMRA) which wanted to recognise not only the quality of the beers on sale but the friendliness of the staff and the warmth of the welcome.

Sisters Annie and Wiz Clift, of the farming dynasty from nearby Lulsley Court, have owned the rural retreat for more than 22 years. They have 11 rooms and a reputation for tasty food made with homegrown or local produce.

Their mother Jean, who lends a hand behind the bar, said the award was a real boost. She said: "It's a lovely feeling, we're winning things!

"We run a farming market here and we were recently runners-up in a competition for that.

"The building is of course very old, and it's right by the river so people have been stopping here, resting or enjoying a drink for hundreds of years.

"We have a lot of repeat customers, whether they are staying over the weekend or coming here for the food.

"We're rather like a great big expanded family."

The Clifts even brew their own ales - This, That, Wot and T'other - from hops grown on the family farm.

Richard Oak, CAMRA south Worcestershire branch chairman said: "The Talbot is a pub at the hub of the community, and as such, a worthy winner of this prestigious award."

Another popular watering hole, The Bell Inn, in the Bull Ring, St John's, Worcester, claimed the runner-up spot.

Mr Oak said: "We asked members to vote for their favourite pubs then a committee got together to judge the top five.

"We looked at quality of beer, dcor or the pub and the mix of clientele. It was one of the closest competitions for several years

"The Bell was just three marks below the Talbot."