A village pub set in rolling Suffolk countryside has been named AA Pub of the Year for England.

The Pheasant at Gestingthorpe, which lies between Halstead and Sudbury amid rolling Suffolk countryside was one of 24 winners celebrated at the AA Hospitality Awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.

Since 2006, owners James and Diana Donoghue have tranformed the pub to create five luxury en-suite bedrooms and a smoke house.

In 2011 they purchased an additional acre of land which, using James’ gardening expertise, they have transformed into a fruit and vegetable garden that supplies the restaurant.

The pub’s menu comprises traditional, freshly-prepared food, using their fresh garden produce as much as possible.

James and Diana said: “It is a great honour and a privilege to win this award. We are very pleased to receive such recognition for all of our hard work and gives us confidence to continue and develop our business further.”