A DEDICATED publican has been honoured for his commitment to the community at a top awards ceremony.

Harry Seccombe's Boscombe-based venue, Chaplin's and the Cellar Bar, claimed the title of Community Pub of the Year in the Great British Pub Awards.

And the bar took on strong competition from around the UK before being chosen for the trophy, beating five other venues to the title.

Bar staff visited London earlier this month to take their award at a special ceremony held at the Hilton Hotel in Park Lane.

Judges said they were impressed with the "sheer level of focus Harry and his team put into supporting the local community, creating a genuine and first rate hub for everyone in the surrounding area".

Ed Bedington, editor of the Publican’s Morning Advertiser, which organises the awards, said: “Chaplin’s and the Cellar Bar is a great example of a community pub.

"The venue’s passion for local arts and wide-ranging support for the town of Boscombe has made a significant impact on residents' quality of life and the local economy.

“The judges were particularly impressed with the licensee’s involvement with local groups and the council, which went far beyond the traditional role of a publican, and illustrated his elevation to a genuine community champion.”

And Harry said: "We're all really pleased - it's a great result and good tribute to how hard everyone works.

"We are a unique pub full of originality."

The top accolade comes just weeks after Chaplin's won a pair of prestigious awards - for the second time.

The venue was named winner of the 'best community pub' and 'best entertainment pub' for the south west in the Great British Pub Awards once again after taking both titles last year.

The 'best community pub' title led to the bar's nomination for the national community pub title.

The Great British Pub Awards celebrate excellence throughout the UK’s pub trade, with hundreds of entries received from across the country, and judged by a team of industry experts.