A WEST Devon pub has been named as winner of the title 'Best Wine Pub 2013' for the South West region in the BT Sport Great British Pub Awards 2013.

The Harris Arms at Portgate, near Lewdown is run by licensees Andrew and Rowena Whiteman.

Andrew said he and Rowena were 'delighted" to win the accolade.

'We are really pleased to have reached the final and would like to thank all of our wine suppliers and customers for their support over the last 10 years,' said Andrew.

Both he and Rowena spent a year in New Zealand learning how to grow and make wine before coming to the Harris Arms in 2003.

The Great British Pub Awards are organised by leading pub industry magazine, the Publican's Morning Advertiser.

Its editor, Rob Willock, said: 'The owners are passionate about wine and this is evident in the range and choice of wines at the pub.

'Their staff are also well trained in order to assist customers.

'The wine list is eclectic and changes regularly. The owners ensure that they taste all of the wines before listing them on the wine list.

'Customers are also encouraged to taste different wines before making their choice in the pub.

'A range of glasses are used for individual wines which add to the theatre and customers are also encouraged to take home any wine they can't finish in the pub.'

The Harris Arms will now go forward to the BT Sport Great British Pub Awards 2013 final, held at the Hilton Hotel, Park Lane, London, on Thursday, September 12 and hosted by actor and comedian Greg Davies.

It will go head to head with five other regional winners for the UK title 'Best Wine Pub 2013' and also have the opportunity to compete for the overall title of 'Great British Pub of the Year.'