A BASINGSTOKE pub has been recognised in a national award ceremony for its charity work.

The Portsmouth Arms in Hatch Warren was named Charity Champion at tonight's (Thursday) Great British Pub Awards after he raised thousands of pounds worth of money for charity during lockdown.

Over £47,000 was raised in total by the pub, which went to 12 different charities including St Michael's Hospice, Basingstoke Foodbank and Hampshire Medical Fund.

As part of the fundraising efforts, Richard hosted Facebook live quizzes every day during lockdown, which saw the 30-year-old break the Guinness World Record after hosting a mammoth 34-hour quiz - the longest ever.

The publican now has access to a £165,000 prize fund to help continue community work, or to make vital business improvements or upgrades.

The Great British Pub Awards shifted its focus this year to recognise and celebrate selfless acts of kindness in lockdown.

Nearly 1,000 pubs entered across the 15 categories, and the winners were chosen by the public.

More than 65,000 voters had their say, before a virtual awards ceremony hosted by TV presenter Stephen Mulhern on Thursday.

Ed Bedington, editor of pub trade brand The Morning Advertiser, which organises the Great British Pub Awards, said: “Early on in the pandemic we received calls from pub owners telling us of the community work going on in towns, villages and cities.

“This was all being done despite the pub owners fearing for their own livelihoods. But they knew, even though they faced adversity themselves, they had to continue to support people in their communities. That’s just what publicans do.

“So, we wanted to bring to life these moving stories and give pubs the recognition.”