A Suffolk landlady has been named Manager of the Month by BT Sport.

A Suffolk landlady has been named Manager of the Month by BT Sport.

Michelle Payne, licensee at The Ingate Free House, in Beccles was recognised for her work in supporting local women’s team Beccles Town Ladies and for showing women’s sports at the pub.

Michelle said: “Our pub was mainly male orientated, as is sports, so it was great to back the team and show the girls their worth by sponsoring them.

“The Ingate is changing attitudes to how a traditional pub has been in the past - as we strive to take things forward in a positive way.

“We don’t need to compete with gastro pubs or major outlets, we need to be inclusive, a friendly place to go to, and to show that as a female or a male you can just pop in and have access to what you have at home, only in a more sociable environment.”

Michelle was presented with her trophy by England and Reading midfielder Fara Williams.