THERE were cheers all round in Neilston as a village bar won the title of East Renfrewshire's Pub of the Year in a public vote.

Victory for The Killoch was announced by the area's MP on Friday after a hotly-contested poll on social media.

Early frontrunners had been The Swan Inn, of Eaglesham, and Barrhead's Cross Stobs Inn, but The Killoch staged a late comeback.

Mobilising regulars on Facebook, the pub eventually ended last week's competition with the most supporters, with hundreds of villagers casting a vote.

Karen Kerrigan, of The Killoch, said: "Myself and all the staff are delighted at winning this award after only owning the establishment for just over a year and would like to thank everyone for the support we have had.

"We have great plans for the future and hope the support will continue.”

East Renfrewshire MP Paul Masterton had launched the vote as part of the UK Parliamentary Pub of the Year competition, which sees bars from across the country championed by their elected members.

The Killoch is one of more than 20 nominations for the award which have been announced so far, with a range of historic, modern and cosy boozers set to battle it out for the crown.

The Bull Inn, in Paisley, is among those also going for glory.

Judges will visit the finalists later this year before choosing the overall winner.

Mr Masterton said: “Congratulations to The Killoch on becoming the inaugural East Renfrewshire Pub of the Year.

"The competition was extremely close but, in the end, there could only be one winner.

"The Killoch will now compete on the national stage and hopefully bring the prize back to East Renfrewshire.”

To keep up to date with the contest, follow @ParliPubOTY on Twitter.