GLASSES have been raised in celebration as a true community pub, with plenty of beer and cheer, is in the awards again. The Exeter and East Devon branch of the Campaign for Real Ale is delighted to announce that its Pub of the Year for 2008 is The Tom Cobley in Spreyton. This completes a remarkable 'triple crown' of wins as it is the third successive year the Tom has won the award. After winning the accolade for the first time in 2006, the pub went on to win both the regional and national pub of the year — making it the best of around 60,000 pubs. Rowland Honeywill of CAMRA said: 'This award in 2008 is in recognition of the continued high standard and quality, not only of the exceptional range of real ales, but also of the service, food and value for money that is available. 'To be able to maintain such high standards even after receiving the ultimate accolade of the best pub in Britain is a tribute to the hard work and enthusiasm of the owners Roger and Carol Cudlip and their staff. 'We described the Tom as an absolute gem and as a true community pub, set in the heart of village activities, and that is still true today.' Owner of the Tom, Roger, added: 'For a family run pub and business it's fantastic —we've got our triple crown now! 'We're a really busy pub and everyone supports us which is fantastic. If you can keep the consistency then that's what it's all about.' The team at the Tom including Roger, his wife Carol, their daughters Lucy and Laura, and Roger's right-hand man Paul, were presented with the award on Wednesday, April 23 during a small informal ceremony. Picture by Ian Snell