IT'S NO wonder the regulars enjoy tucking into good home-cooked food at a Tadley pub - because it's simply the best.

Husband-and-wife publicans Derek and Patt Toogood have won the accolade of Pub of the Year for Catering in their group, the Pub Estate Company, which has just changed its name to Trust Inns.

The couple were up against 500 entries from within the group. In 2003, they came second, but this year, they were the outright winners, scooping £250 in vouchers for themselves plus a certificate and crystal bowl for The Cricketers.

The pair are at an age when many have retired or are at least thinking about it, as Mr Toogood is 62 and his wife, who cooks the award-winning meals, is 63.

But pub life is in their blood and they insist there is no thought of calling time on their career just yet.

Mr Toogood has been involved in the trade since he was 18, and the couple moved from Falmouth, Cornwall, four years ago to run The Cricketers.

Mrs Toogood cooks everything from a big breakfast to snacks and traditional dining-out fare. Much of their lunchtime trade comes from business people, including staff from AWE Aldermaston.

"Our restaurant seats 36 people and we are already fully-booked for Christmas Day," said Mr Toogood. "We're very pleased to have won the award."

The couple are helped by staff members Tom Holmes, Leanne Andrews and Hayley Butler, who are also as pleased as punch to say they serve the regulars at the Pub of the Year for Catering.