A popular Cumbrian pub is in the running for a national honour.

The White Mare in Beckermet has been named as a national finalist in the prestigious Great British Pub Awards 2016.

The bar and restaurant will compete with five other pubs from across the UK for the titles of Best Newcomer and Best Turnaround Pub at the awards ceremony to be held in London in October.

The competition, run by leading trade magazine, the Publican’s Morning Advertiser, is the stand-out event for pub operators around the country, with the awards attracting hundreds of entries.

Owner Dianne Irving, opened the White Mare following a full refurbishment last May.

She said: "I am absolutely delighted that we have made the National Finals of both the main pub and bar industry awards in our first year of operation. It is a credit to all the team and the hard work that they have put in to make the White Mare so successful. I cannot thank them enough."

"We have also been very lucky to have had the backing of Star Pubs and Bars who have worked with us in true partnership to get to where we are today."

Prior to taking on the White Mare last year, Dianne was a primary school headteacher.

She said: "This has been a very different and enjoyable challenge. When we took over at the White Mare, we had just eight members of staff. Today we have 28, each of whom contribute to the business every minute they are with us. I have been delighted with the feedback they have had on review sites about how pleasant and helpful they are."

This customer feedback has earned the White Mare a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence, another addition to the growing number of awards they have earned in just one year.

Speaking about the upcoming awards, Ed Bedington, editor of The Morning Advertiser, said: "The pub sector is thriving and that success is being driven by superb operators, none more so than our finalists in this competition. They’ve been narrowed down from a highly competitive field. To be a finalist in this tough competition is a superb achievement and it’s going to be a real honour to reveal our ultimate winners."