It was National Pub Week last week and Iain took the opportunity to present The Rat Race Ale House, at Hartlepool Railway Station, with the first-ever All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group award for a pub in Hartlepool. Iain made the presentation in a packed pub to the Landlord Peter Morgan who opened the micro pub a year ago this month.

Iain said

"I think Hartlepool is very fortunate that we have some absolutely excellent pubs and I think this one is quirky.

"It's what you want – you get a good craic in here and you get a fantastic beer. And it's real ale, it's not that lager stuff.

"I actually think the pub is an essential part of British tradition and should be celebrated so I am pleased to present this award."

"I think we should appreciate good pubs that really contribute to the community and the award is open to all other Hartlepool pubs."