A COVETED award presented to a Riddlesden club has been dedicated to its late bar manager.

The Applegarth has received the Keighley and Craven Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) Club of the Year accolade for the second successive year.

And the honour is a salute to Andy Yuill, who died in January.

He was credited with transforming the beer offer at the Banks Lane club after taking over the running of the bar in 2021.

The award was presented to Andy's nephew, Jacob Yuill, by Keighley and Craven CAMRA branch representative Jenny Baker.

Applegarth president Stuart Probst said it was largely thanks to Andy that the club had won the accolade for a second year.

He says: "Andy did a terrific job during the two-and-a-half years that he worked with us, and this award is testament to the very real progress we made as a club in that time.

"We're delighted that Jacob was able to join us to accept the award on behalf of his uncle."

A further, special award was also presented in Andy’s memory, marking ‘a lifetime of work and outstanding contribution to the pub, club and beer industry’.

Jenny says: "Every year, CAMRA members throughout the country choose what they to believe to be the best club in their branch area.

"We look for a club which, as well as supporting its members, gives everyone a warm welcome in clean and comfortable surroundings.

"Above all, we look for a club promoting real ale.

"When the Applegarth appointed Andy, he used his many years of experience looking after real ale to improve the quality and range of beer available.

"As a consequence of his efforts, the club was awarded the branch Club of the Year honour last year.

"Although Andy, sadly, has passed away – and he will be greatly missed – the club is still being run in the same way as he left it, as a fitting legacy. Therefore the branch had no hesitation in awarding the Applegarth the the Club of the Year title for 2024."

A CAMRA spokesperson says: "The Club of the Year competition is run with the aim of finding the clubs with the greatest commitment to top-quality real ale – and those which offer a fantastic atmosphere and welcoming surroundings.

"CAMRA campaigns to protect and promote clubs, which are important community assets that boost the social wellbeing of their areas."