GLASSES were raised at a Bournemouth watering hole as it was named the best cider pub in the country.

The Firkin Shed in Springbourne received the honour from CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) on Monday and celebrated with many of the brewers who help to keep customers coming back time after time.

Bournemouth's first micro pub, which was opened three and half years ago, is owned by Paul Gray and his wife, Lisa.

Mr Gray said the national award was an honour and something he never thought would be achieved when starting out the business.

"Getting recognition is about the producers as well as what we do here in the pub," he said

"I select the ciders that come in, but it is down to them producing excellent ciders and they need outlets like us to actually sell their good.

"For CAMRA to recognise us as cider pub of the year is brilliant and took us completely by surprise.

"I wanted to create a pub that I wanted to drink in, somewhere that sold really good ales and ciders.

Previously the premises was a video rental store and this legacy lives on with some of the signage hanging from the walls of the micro pub.

He gained inspiration for setting up the business from his first ever visit to the Southampton Arms in Kentish Town, London. Or as Mr Gray said: "I thought why isn't there a pub like this in Bournemouth? It is their fault we opened."

The Firkin Shed, which has now received one national and three regional awards this year, offers a range of up to 14 ciders, 10 beers, 35 rums and four meads, in a social atmosphere with an open plan and musical accompaniment.

Cider brewers joined in the celebration at the Firkin Shed. This included Alasdair Keddie of Dorset Sunshine, Vernon Shutler of Countryman Cider, Jon Narey and Chantal Spence of My'n'ers Cider, Dan Green of Dorset Star, Bill Meaden of Cranborne Chase Cider and Sean McFetrich of Fetch The Drinks.

Mr Gray, who tries every variety before it comes into the pub, said it was important to continue to provide the best pints possible.

"I wouldn't serve anything that I wouldn't drink myself. It is a terrible job, but someone has to do it," he added.

"We must must 2,000 breweries in this country so trying to pick out the best beers to put in the pub is difficult.

"It is very much a community pub. You will have people who live in the same road and have never spoken to each other before end up having really good friendships here."