NINE of the district's pubs made it into this year's coveted Good Beer Guide.

The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) guide, now in its 50th year, lists 4,500 of the UK's best pubs as scored by members.

Here, we raise a glass to the Rose and Crown, Slaley, and The Rat Inn, Anick, who were both featured.

The Rose and Crown, which celebrates its 10th birthday in 2023, is a grade II listed building, dating back to 1675, and has been community-owned since 2013.

Landlady Tracey Weatherley has worked at the pub for 20 years and in June 2014, was made manager.

Ian Stevens MBE, for the Rose and Crown, said: "We work hard to make everyone who walks through our doors feel welcome, enjoy their experience with us and if they are not from the area, part of our community until they come back and see us again.

"While many pubs are closing because of the current economic climate, we remain a healthy and viable concern with the community determined that the Rose and Crown remains in the village for both themselves and future generations."

Karen Errington, meanwhile, has been at the helm of The Rat since 2007; the pub has made the guide every year for 15 years.

She said: "We concentrate on using local suppliers and this applies to our drinks offering too with cask ales from local breweries.

"Situated as we are in the heart of the countryside, it's important both to support the local economy and at the same time, ensure the best quality products are on offer at the pub.

"We look forward to continuing to push the pub forward in the New Year - despite the challenging economic climate."

The Holly Bush Inn, Greenhaugh, Hexham's The County Hotel, Platform Bar and The Victorian Tap, The Twice Brewed Inn, Once Brewed, Ponteland's Pont Tap and Wor Local, which has two branches in Prudhoe, also made the guide.

Tyneside and Northumberland branch CAMRA chairman Paul Hillhouse said: "The publicans who make the cut each year have really worked hard and deserve the recognition that comes with a place in the guide."