AN innovative Malvern pub is raising glasses in celebration after being named most improved pub of the year.

The Star, in Cowleigh Road, has received the inaugural honour from the Worcester branch of the Campaign For Real Ale.

The Star was closed only three years ago but is now thriving, offering up to five real ales, often from local breweries, as well as a range of authentic Chinese and European food.

CAMRA president Alan Grainger said The Star had shown great commitment to real ale, and used innovative techniques to build trade up from a low base.

"A pint of ale with a chicken satay is a rare combination, especially when they are as fresh and tasty as they are at The Star," he said.

Landlord Michael Choi said it was good to be acknowledged for the hard work that had gone on at the pub, adding that the combination of food and beer had proved a real winner.

"I love cask ale myself, so it's not really something that I've had to go out of the way to push," he said. "There are around 45 pubs in a three-mile radius in Malvern, so unless you try to offer customers something different, I think you are going to find it tough. I'd like to share this award with all the pub owners working very hard through a very difficult time."