A HALESOWEN social club has put the town on the ale drinking map by winning a national award for its cask ales.

The Somers Social Club, at Lord Dudley’s old home The Grange, won the coveted Cask Club of the Year at a celebrity studded awards ceremony at the Palace Hotel in Manchester The Club Mirror Awards were held in association with the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and the Somers Social Club’s 12 award winning cask ales helped it clinch the title.

The Somers Social Club has been at The Grange since 1950 when the chairman of Walter Somers Ltd Seth Somers handed over the property for the good of workers and their families.

The club is now recognised as one of the best in the country offering a wide range of sports and social activities.

Paul Hill, managing director of the club, said: “We were delighted to win such a prestigious national award and it was a great night in Manchester.”

“The awards were presented by sports presenter Steve Rider with a guest appearance by Peter Stringfellow who collected a Lifetime Award for his dedication to the club trade.”

He added: “Molson Coors Brewers kindly sponsored the Somers Sports and Social Club and the Management would like to thank them and especially Mick Haydon for their support.

“We would also like to congratulate Joanne and Ian Bamford and their team for obtaining the award and for their dedication and hard work in giving Halesowen a club to be proud of.”