A Suffolk MP who visited every pub in her constituency has been appointed the Beer Parliamentarian of the Year.

Dr Therese Coffey, MP for Suffolk Coastal, was presented the honour in recognition of her support for the brewing industry at the All Party Parliamentary Beer Group’s annual awards night on Wednesday.

“I had no idea I was going to get the award,” she said.

“It came out of the blue but I was very pleased to receive it.

“I’ve visited every pub in my constituency and will continue to support them.

“I am acutely aware of the importance of pubs, for our villages and towns, because of the valuable role they provide in terms of leisure and strengthening community ties and all the things that people do in pubs apart from drinking.”

The awards are held each year to celebrate MPs and peers who have done something special for the drinks industry.

Paul Hegarty, honorary secretary for the All Party Parliamentary Beer Group, said the event was intended to highlight the importance of the industry for creating jobs and supporting the economy.

He said Dr Coffey had been an “enthusiastic supporter” of the pub trade in her constituency, having visited every one of its 118 pubs. Suffolk Coastal boasts two breweries and more than 2,500 of its residents are employed in the industry.