A Baildon licensee is the first in the north to be entered into an ale academy of excellence – after just six months in the job.

Tommy Brown (above) took over The Junction, Baildon Road, Baildon, after Bill Arnold stood down.

He has now won his first award – the Oakademy of Excellence Award from the Oakham Brewery in Peterborough. The Junction has been named one of the brewery’s Flagship Venues for its real ale.

Mr Brown said: “I’ve got two massive plaques for the excellence and quality of beer presented to me by the area manager from Oakham. I’ve only been here six months and its going really well but this just came out of the blue.

“Nobody from Camra (the Campaign for Real Ale) has ever heard of anybody north of Peterborough receiving this award.

“I’m really pleased.”