THE Rising Sun in Milland has been crowned the Griffin Trophy winner in Fuller’s Pub of the Year competition for the second year running.

The pub, run by Ben Burston since February 2007, won the top prize ahead of 391 other Fuller’s pubs for being the epitome of a truly great pub. The result was announced at a ceremony t the company’s world-famous Griffin Brewery in Chiswick on November 3.

The Rising Sun also took top prize in the Best Country/Village Pub category. The Griffin Trophy awards recognise the efforts and achievements of the Company’s top managers and tenants in five categories: Outstanding Achievement, Best City/London Pub, Best Hotel/Inn, Best Town/Local Pub and Best Country/Village Pub.

Fuller’s chairman Michael Turner said: "I am delighted to be presenting the Griffin Trophy to Ben and the team at The Rising Sun. Ben is no stranger to competition, having won his category last year.

“He has built on last year’s success, taking the pub from strength to strength. The Rising Sun is a true village local in the heart of the South Downs National Park countryside. It is renowned for its exceptional atmosphere, great food, well-kept ales, and charming staff.”

Ben Burston, licensee of The Rising Sun said: “This is a fantastic surprise. A pub is nothing without its people so I would like to thank all my customers who have supported the pub over the years and my wonderful staff, who make the pub what it is.”

The prize for the winning pub comprises a £5,000 holiday, a staff party, an engraved plaque, and the coveted Griffin Trophy itself.