Special award for record publican

CHEERS . . . landlord Ray Hicks (left) with Graham Chinn from CAMRA

A Saddleworth pub landlord who has been pulling pints for 37 years has received a special award.

Ray Hicks, who runs the Three Crowns at Scouthead with his wife Sue, received a certificate from CAMRA’s Rochdale, Oldham and Bury (ROB) branch as its longest-serving licensee.

This year CAMRA is celebrating its 40th anniversary, and the award was one of a number of events to mark the occasion. Guests gathered at the pub in Huddersfield Road for the presentation before enjoying drinks on the house to celebrate.

Ray said: “I appreciate this very much. A lot of water has gone under the bridge but overall, it’s been wonderful.”

Graham Chinn, a founding member of Camra’s ROB branch and past branch chairman, said: “We couldn’t find anyone who has been a licensee longer than Ray. Knowing how the industry changes quickly today, it is quite remarkable he’s still here after 37 years.”