A brass band’s home in the Saddleworth hills is Greater Manchester CAMRA’s new club of the year.

Dobcross Band and Social Club has been a key part of the village community for many years and has recently dominated the local branch's choice as its nomination. This however is the first year it has won the regional competition.

The club moved away from a tie with a local brewery and now offers members a choice of four real ales, with Mossley brewery Millstone's Tiger Rut and Joseph Holt's Bitter both being popular. The last few months has also seen a rare regional appearance for Bowland brewery’s Hen Harrier, alongside popular Middleton brewer JW Lees.

CAMRA’s regional judging organiser Tony Evans said: "Our adjudicators are drawn from across the region, although the local branch is not involved in assessing its own nominee.

“They look for a strong commitment to the local community and whether the venues are in tune with the wider aims of CAMRA. A friendly welcome and knowledgeable bar staff also feature highly in their assessments, but obviously the condition of cask beer is uppermost.

"Clubs have had to adapt to changing social and spending patterns. Many hospitality premises have had to review opening hours to align with business. Dobcross Band and Social Club manages to open seven days a week and rewards its members with lower bar prices while welcoming all."

John Holden (pictured) has been the club's steward for almost 40 years. His commitment to the club has been recognised by members who named the recently refurbished lounge in his honour. He has championed real ale, picking up awards for the consistently excellent condition of his cask beers.

Holden said: “This is wonderful news. I was proud when the Rochdale, Oldham and Bury branch of CAMRA first named us as its Club of the Year. I always aimed to keep winning, but I didn't expect this regional award.

“There’s no secret to our success – a welcoming atmosphere keeps customers happy. The committee is always supportive and in tune with the promotion of real ale. Weekends are busy, but band practices mean the club is well-used during weekday evenings too. And we’ve got great hard-working staff, most of whom live locally.”