A pub landlord has said he is "delighted" after his was crowned as the best pub as part of the Saddleworth in Bloom awards.

The Old Bell Inn, on Huddersfield Road in Delph, was handed the award for the third consecutive year by Saddleworth Parish Council who organise the awards.

The awards focus on celebrating gardens and gardeners, with The Old Bell Inn judged to have the best garden area of the Saddleworth pubs.

Phil Whiteman said the pub works hard to maintain its stunning gardenPhil Whiteman said the pub works hard to maintain its stunning garden (Image: The Old Bell Inn)

Landlord Phil Whiteman said: "We get a lot of good reaction to the garden from our customers and it's a community thing.

"It's tough going hospitality at the moment, especially for small independent places, so the recognition makes it all worthwhile."

The hotel restaurant has been a staple of Saddleworth since 1780The hotel restaurant has been a staple of Saddleworth since 1780 (Image: The Old Bell Inn)

The Old Bell Inn's garden area boasts many bright and colourful flowers, which Mr Whiteman said was "hard work" to maintain, but said he was "delighted" that the pub could be recognised.

Mr Whiteman, who is from Saddleworth, will be celebrating 25 years as the landlord of The Old Bell Inn later this year and he said he is looking forward to marking the milestone, adding that he still gets a "buzz" from doing the job.