THE Golden Lion in Rochford has regained its crown as south east Essex's real ale pub of the year.

The local branch of the Campaign for Real Ale regularly picks the Rochford pub for its top honours.

It has yet to win Camra's overall Essex pub of the year, but landlady Sue Williams believes it has a good shot this year, after winning the local title several times.

She said: "I was extremely pleased when we won.

"It's a very friendly pub. Many local people come here who know each other and have been drinking here for a long time."