VILLAGERS are raising a glass to their popular hostelry after it was shortlisted for Suffolk Pub of the Year 2012.

The Rumburgh Buck near Halesworth will compete against The Fat Cat, Ipswich and Sudbury’s Brewery Tap for the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) gong.

Gary Cornthwaite, who will celebrate a decade in charge of the pub in September, said there had been just six landlords since 1926.

“A lot of pubs have six landlords in six years,” said the 36-year-old. “It just offers something for everyone, it’s a real community pub. There’s a pool room, there’s a special eating area and the locals can come and sit and chat in the bar.”

The success of The Rumburgh Buck – which won CAMRA Pub of the Year 2012 for North East Suffolk – comes at a time when 25 hostelries nationally are closing each week, according to statistics from the British Beer and Pub Association.

Mr Cornthwaite said support from villagers and the traditional nature of the pub, which boasts separate rooms, wooden beams and stone floors, were key reasons for its success.

He added: “Rumburgh is a village of 250 people and we were up against pubs from Beccles, Lowestoft and Halesworth. The award is for the quality of the real ales, the service and general atmosphere of the pub.

“I can remember coming in here as an 18-year-old – it was a good pub then, it’s always had a good name.” The pub, a freehouse which won CAMRA Suffolk Pub of the Year 2007, is owned by David Maskery.