FOUR Tynedale pubs have been recognised for the service they provide to their canine customers.

The Ship Inn and the Black Bull Inn in Wylam, along with The Boatside Inn in Warden and The Golden Lion in Corbridge have all been named in the top 10 dog-friendly pubs in the North-East.

The list was compiled by online dog sitting company DogBuddy, with the final standings decided by a public vote. The awards are now in their third year, and promote dog-friendly values in watering holes across the country.

Founder and CEO of DogBuddy Richard Setterwall said: “For the third year running, DogBuddy – with the help of dog lovers up and down the country – has been searching for the best of the best when it comes to dog-friendly pubs.

“The whole DogBuddy pack hopes that the awards will inspire dog owners countrywide to discover and support their local pubs”.

Tynedale’s representatives missed out on the top spot, however, with that honour going to The Keel Row in Seaton Delaval, who retained their title after winning the most public votes.

The Ship Inn in Wylam was the best performing Tynedale pub, coming in at number five.

Kelly Hopkins, who took over the Ship Inn with her partner Paul Johnson last year, said it was important to make a fuss of four-legged customers.

Kelly said: “It was good to be named on the list; it was a nice surprise. My partner, Paul, saw that we’d been shortlisted. We only had a few votes then, but it just went mad.

“We sell dog beer, we give out biscuits and we always have water bowls for dogs. They didn’t used to let dogs in here, but we took over last year and thought it was important to make a fuss of them.

“We’re on the old wagon way from Newburn to Wylam past George Stephenson’s cottage. A lot of people walk their dogs along there, so we get a lot of dog walkers.”

The Boatside Inn, the Black Bull Inn and The Golden Lion came in at seven, eight, and nine respectively.