A RAMSBOTTOM pub is in the running for a major award.

The Eagle and Child, in Whalley Road, is one of six finalists in the Best Partnership Pub category of the Great British Pub Awards 2017.

The team at the pub has in recent months worked on a massive transformation with owners Thwaites.

The Eagle and Child has been refurbished from top to bottom and now includes guest rooms and a brand new orangery featuring floor-to-ceiling windows bringing diners views of the Irwell Valley.

The pub made it through the first two rounds to become finalists in the Best Partnership Pub category.

The team will now be judged on the premises and by video interview, before discovering whether they’ve won the award.

Glen Duckett, who runs The Eagle and Child, said: “We pride ourselves on being a community pub and this redevelopment has given us even more motivation to be the best place in the area for our staff to work, and our guests to gather and enjoy a pint, a meal, and now a place to stay.”

The Eagle and Child is no stranger to winning plaudits for its excellent service, food and helping young people from all backgrounds get started in their hospitality careers.

The pub was named Top Food Pub in the Manchester Food and Drink Awards held in October 2016.

Thwaites director of pubs and brewing, Andrew Buchanan, said: “Glen and his team have done a fantastic job with The Eagle and Child and the pub keeps on going from strength to strength. It really has found its place at the heart of the community which is why it is so popular. We worked in partnership with Glen on every aspect of the recent refurbishment. The detail Glen and his team have overlaid onto our scheme to build the new orangery and guest rooms has been amazing and guest reaction has been every bit as good.

“It all looks stunning and it’s great that the work has been recognised by the Great British Pub awards. We wish Glen every success in the finals.”