Bar bosses have been hailed for their work to tackle trouble.

Cumbria's crime commissioner Peter McCall has named Mike Vose and Gary Quigley as stars for their crime-fighting efforts.

Mr Vose is one of Carlisle’s best-known publicans as boss of The King’s Head and Fat Gadgie in Carlisle city centre, as well as being owner of the Linton Holme Inn in Lindisfarne Street.

Gary Quigley runs The Loft in Keswick town centre.

Both are involved in the Pubwatch scheme, designed to stop trouble flaring and ensure troublemakers are barred from licensed premises.

Their efforts in making those programmes a success were behind the presentation of Mr McCall’s star awards, recognising the contributions made to Pubwatch nationally.

The commissioner said: “I was delighted to present Mike and Gary with their Star Awards and to be able to recognise their exceptional contribution.

“I’ve always said that we need to work together to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour and the Pubwatch Scheme is a great example of a voluntary, community based crime prevention scheme, which is helping to keep Cumbria a safe place.”

Those behind the Pubwatch scheme say its importance in quelling drink-fuelled disorder should not be underestimated.

Retired Cumbrian policeman Joe Murray, who works with Pubwatch nationally, said: “ Pubwatch schemes have proved to be a valuable asset when dealing with violence and antisocial behaviour linked to the night-time economy.

“With a reduction of policing resources, there is a greater expectation that licensees take more responsibility for dealing with such issues on licensed premises.

“In Cumbria and elsewhere, the effectiveness of Pubwatch schemes is all too apparent with the prospect of people who misbehave being threatened with being banned from all pubs and clubs.

“These awards today reflect the hard work and commitment that Mike Vose and Gary Quigley have given to their Pubwatch schemes and created a safer environment for people to socialise.”

The accolades were presented as part of National Licensing Week.

Among those at the presentation was Lisa Elder, Pubwatch coordinator in west Cumbria, who earlier this year received the Malcolm Eidmans Award at the National Pubwatch Conference in Reading, presented in recognition of her outstanding contribution in supporting the initiative’s work.