A Diss pub has been named the best watering hole in South Norfolk.

The Waterfront Inn offers customers a picturesque view of the town's Mere, as well as simple food at reasonable prices and, of course, a good selection of beers and ales.

It even does its bit for good causes by raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support – its chosen charity of the year – as well as welcoming families and providing top-class entertainment in the form of local bands and quiz nights.

That combination led a judging panel from South Norfolk Council to name the pub as the best in the district, despite tough competition from other high-quality venues.

Sarah Carpenter, manager of the pub, said: 'This is amazing and we couldn't have done it without the help of our brilliant staff.

'We are always looking for ways to get involved with our community and we are proud of the help that we have managed to provide to Macmillan, our chosen charity.

'I would like to say a big thank-you to our staff and especially to everyone who nominated us.'

Stuart Carpenter, also from the venue, added: 'I would also like to congratulate all of the other pubs in the final.

'They are all winners and all provide amazing services to their communities.

'This is our third time here and for us, it was third time lucky.'

The Waterfront Inn received its winner's plaque from Army veteran Sergeant Duncan Slater, from Scole, who lost both his legs after being hit by a roadside bomb while on tour in Afghanistan in 2009.

The Waterfront Inn will also receive £1,000 towards hosting a community event over the next year. Terry Stork, from the Pub is the Hub organisation, who was also on the judging panel, said: 'Expectations were very high this year and we were not disappointed.

'Each of the finalists showed a significant and positive input into their community.

'All of the pubs should be congratulated, as should South Norfolk Council, which is still the only local authority supporting community pubs in this way.'

South Norfolk Council deputy leader Martin Wilby, who was also on the judging panel, added: 'I would like to congratulate the Waterfront, who are worthy champions. This is the sixth year that we have run our Pub of the Year competition and every year it has got more and more difficult to choose the winners.

'The standard of our community pubs continues to go from strength to strength and I believe that this competition has something to do with that.'

The King's Head in Woodton was chosen as a neighbourhood winner for the Tas Valley, while last year's winner, The Green Dragon in Wymondham, won the Tiffey Valley neighbourhood category.

The World's End in Mulbarton won in the Northern Rivers neighbourhood, with The Artichoke in Broome and The Water's Edge in Bramerton taking the honours in the Eastern Rivers.

Do you know a good pub we should be featuring? Tell the Mercury by calling 01379 651153 or email dma.news@archant.co.uk