CHESTER Pubwatch has been highly commended at a national awards event for its contribution to community safety.

The scheme was highly commended at the Diageo National Pubwatch Awards for its training and safeguarding work.

Chester Pubwatch was recognised at a packed ceremony in the House of Lords, attended by MPs, Lords and notable names from the pub industry.

The top award was won by Chelmsford City Pubwatch, while Wrexham Pubwatch was also highly commended.

Melissa Yorke, sales director GB On-Trade, said: "Partnership organisations like Pubwatch make a real difference to local communities and it is brilliant to see so many schemes getting involved and making an impact through this year's awards programme.

"I was hugely impressed by the work undertaken by Chelmsford City that has had such a positive impact in reducing crime amongst member organisations' premises. I also want to congratulate Chester and Wrexham for their outstanding work.

"At Diageo, the on-trade is a crucial part of our business and we recognise its vital contribution to the night-time economy as well as to the role it plays within the community and society more widely to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

"That is why we are proud supporters of this year's award and commend all the good work it has done so far."

Now in its seventh year, the National Pubwatch Awards champion the work of local Pubwatch schemes throughout the UK and their efforts to provide safe drinking environments for customers and staff in all licensed premises.

Entrants are judged by a panel of National Pubwatch Committee members and industry experts who identify the scheme which made the greatest contribution to its community.

Each local Pubwatch works in partnership with local police to reduce alcohol-related crime, while providing local pubs with information and guidance on how to ensure a safe drinking environment in their community.

Speaking at the awards Steve Baker, chairman of National Pubwatch, said: "Our finalists have yet again demonstrated that local Pubwatch schemes are working extremely hard to make licensed premises a safe and secure environment to work and socialise.

"It is wonderful to see the Diageo National Pubwatch Awards go from strength to strength. I am very grateful to Diageo for supporting our efforts to promote good practice and the benefits of partnership working, and I hope we can work closely together to achieve our ambitions of promoting responsible drinking for years to come."