COMMUNITY-minded pub The Coach and Four is in the running for a sought-after accolade.

The Wilmslow pub/restaurant and hotel has won a place in the finals of the John Smiths Great British Pub Awards 2017.

The Alderley Road business is hoping for success at the awards ceremony at The Hilton Hotel in Park Lane, London, on September 7.

The awards are in their 17th year, and are the industry’s leading national accolades for single site pub operators.

General manager Matthew Abbott, his partner Graham Clarke and operations director Bob Brooks will be travelling to London for the ceremony.

"It’s fantastic that we have again won The Best Managed Pub in the north west, which we have previously won in 2015, and will now be going to the finals in London on September 7,” said Matthew.

“This is a great testament to the team spirit that is evident daily at The Coach and Four.”

Business and marketing manager Ella Brookbanks said: “We have been involved in and have initiated charity and fundraising events in which we have looked after The Army Cadet Force during the Poppy Appeal, and kept the Brownies warm with hot chocolate after they have been out delivering leaflets over Christmas.

“We have invited residents from the Hawthorns care home into our restaurant for complimentary tea and cakes, hand massages and flowers delivered through a local florist for them to take home and enjoy.”

Throughout November the pub hosts Free Tea for Troops - an initiative of Ella’s - in which current and former soldiers in the town are invited to enjoy complimentary hot drinks throughout the month and during the Poppy Appeal.

Ella added: “We are also especially proud of being one of the go-to pubs in Wilmslow for live comedy, live music, solo and bands, DJ nights and having an events space that can now host not only birthdays, engagements and christenings but full wedding packages as well.

The Coach and Four nomination included details of its involvement in community events, new technologies it has introduced to make staff training and customer service skills easier and its social engagement on social media.