SLOW and Easy manager Stephen Lamb said he was ‘overwhelmed’ by a 2016 Community Pub of the Year accolade.

Stephen is one of the team which runs the Lostock Gralam pub, which won the award from the North Cheshire branch of the Campaign for Real Ale.

The pub hosts band nights and community events, but is earmarked for demolition to make way for houses.

The housing application for the site by Punch Taverns has angered residents who say the pub plays an important role in the community.

Stephen runs the pub with his wife Sue and Stella Mainwaring, and received an award certificate from the CAMRA branch.

CAMRA branch chairman Nick Bosley said: “A good pub isn’t just about good beer - it’s also about being part of the community.

“Achieving this recognition demonstrates how well the Slow and Easy works with and for its community, and it’s a credit to Stephen, Sue and Stella.”

Andrew Oldfield, area manager for Riverside Pubs and Bars, said: “As a company we could not be prouder than we are of the management team at the Slow and Easy.

“Their hard work and determination despite the planning application has not faulted, and they have worked endlessly to prove what a great asset the Slow and Easy is to the community of Lostock Gralam and beyond.

“We hope Cheshire West and Chester Council join us in the opinion that this pub needs to stay in the community.

“The community events are constant and we offer a warm welcome for all customers, old and new.”

Stephen Lamb said: “We are overwhelmed by the award.

“The pub had been struggling when we took over last year, but since then takings have increased ten-fold, and it’s really busy.

“We’ve had a lot of new customers as well as people who used to come quite a few years ago.

“The pub is very important to the community, and it would be very sad if it goes.”

The pub hosts weekly disco/karaoke and band nights, a Band ‘N Bands festival, a classic car and bike show and a community bonfire.