A prestigious national award has been presented to a canalside pub which was only recently saved from closure.

The Peterborough Arms at Dauntsey Lock, near Chippenham, was once a farmhouse in the 1800s.

It was placed on the market in 2013 and was expected to be turned into a private house.

However, the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust campaigned for it to be designated as an Asset of Community Value as the pub was one of only two remaining along the original route of the former waterway.

The charity launched a £250,000 fundraising appeal which resulted in the property transferring to the Trust in 2014.

Local volunteers then began a major restoration of the building, providing more than 10,000 hours of work which led to it reopening in 2018.

Their efforts were recognised after the pub was named joint winner in the ‘refurbishment category’ of the National Pub Design Awards organised by the Campaign for Real Ale.

The 2019 award was due to be presented last year but had to be postponed due to the pandemic.

It has now been presented to Dave Maloney, chairman of the Melksham, Chippenham & Calne branch of the Trust, by Alan Cross, chairman of North West Wiltshire CAMRA.

Dave leads the ongoing refurbishment project with the support of fellow volunteer Fiona Rivers.

He said: “We are immensely proud to have received such a prestigious national award, which is a tribute to the multitude of volunteers who gave so much of their own time.

“We are also indebted to the local tradespeople who supported us throughout the project.

“Work included rebuilding the skittle alley, bars, bedrooms, bathrooms, food storage and preparation areas and cellar, but using materials consistent with its Grade II listing.

“We also built new toilets, including for disabled access, and landscaped the grounds around the building.

“We hope this award will encourage people to visit the Peterborough Arms and enjoy a lovely meal and drinks in a beautiful rural setting.”

The aim of the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust is to restore the waterway from the Kennet & Avon Canal near Melksham to the Thames & Severn Canal near Cricklade and the River Thames near Abingdon, connecting Chippenham, Calne, Royal Wootton Bassett and Swindon.