Three Mansfield pubs are in the running to be crowned best in Mansfield in the Nottinghamshire Best Bar None Awards at the end of February.

Mansfield achieved the highest number of accredited licensed premises of any district in the countywide awards — 16, with 70% achieving a distinction.

Mansfield mayor Kate Allsop presented the successful pubs with their certificates.

She said: “Mansfield is a great — and safe — place for a night out, and these awards prove it. Well done to all those licensed premises on making the grade.”

The top scoring three from the district — andwhynot, The Stag & Pheasant and After Dark (pictured) — were selected to battle it out in the county final on 28th February.

Other premises from the area that earned accreditations in the awards were: Mansfield’s Havanas (accreditation); Industria (distinction); The Red Bar & Grill (merit); Rush Bar (distinction); The Late Lounge (distinction); The Cheeky Monkey (distinction); The Widow Frost (distinction); The Widecombe Fair (accreditation); The Bold Forester (distinction); The Brown Cow (accreditation); The Green Dragon (distinction); and The Sunnydale Inn (accreditation) and The Black Bull, Mansfield Woodhouse (distinction).

The bars and clubs were assessed by a panel of judges who looked at what extra steps they take to ensure their customers are safe and have a great time.

The county scheme, part of a national scheme started in Manchester in 2003, is in its second year.

It is funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire and Nottinghamshire County Council, supported by the Home Office, and administered locally by Mansfield District Council.