Pubs from Bawburgh and Wymondham have made into the final round of South Norfolk Council's Community Pub of the Year Award.

About half the district's pubs received nominations in the competition, which is now in its third year, and the five neighbourhood winners included The King's Head in Harts Lane, Bawburgh, and The Green Dragon in Church Street, Wymondham,

The judging panel will visit each pub on Monday, and the winner, which will receive �1,000 for a community event, will be announced in September.

Anton Wimmer, the boss at the King's Head, said: 'It's always nice to be recognised and to be nominated by customers.

'We try to concentrate very much on local life, and try to help people in the village as much as we can, as this is the only pub or business in the village.

'We try to cater to everyone and have a very relaxed atmosphere. We serve good pub, although we try to keep it as a pub. We had a good July business-wide and the first week of August has also been good,.'

David Bear, landlord at the Green Dragon in Wymondham, said his pub was also 'thriving'.

'We are one of the best pubs in Wymondham at the moment,' he added.

The other three pubs shortlisted are the Burston Crown, Coldham Hall, Surlingham, and The Greyhound, Tibenham.

South Norfolk councillor Martin Wilby said: 'We had an incredible response from the public, with more pubs nominated than ever before and the standard was above and beyond what we have seen in previous years.'

Chairman of the council Sue Thomson added that it was wonderful to see so many new up-and-coming pubs nominated.

She added: 'It goes to show that it's not all doom and gloom. Many of these pubs are growing and thriving and will be strong contenders for the title next year.'

All five shortlisted pubs will be presented with a 'South Norfolk Community Pub of the Year Award' plaque.

The Evening News has been urging people to return to pubs in our Love your Local campaign.

To see more stories from the campaign visit www.eveningnews24.co.uk/loveyourlocal.

Has your local been nominated for a top award? Call reporter David Bale on 01603 772427 or email david.bale2@archant.co.uk.