The Dartford Working Men's Club has once again for the first time in many years made it through to the final round of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) Club of the Year competition.

The Working Men's Club and Institute Union (CIU) club has made it to the finalist round for its dedication to serving real ale, both through hosting four real ale festivals throughout the year and boasting fifteen well-kept real ales on hand pump and ciders on gravity. The club, which is home to the BBC award winning Dartford Folk Club, serves over 500 different beers throughout the year and hosts regular live music and popular quiz nights.

The CAMRA Club of the Year competition awards is run in conjunction with Club Mirror magazine with the simple aim of finding the best clubs serving real ale most committed to quality real ale – those which offer a fantastic atmosphere, welcoming surroundings and most importantly, top quality real ale served in great condition. Clubs are nominated by CAMRA branches across the country and judged by a panel of volunteer CAMRA members throughout the year.

John Holland, CAMRA's National Club of the Year coordinator says: "It is a fantastic achievement to be considered one of the top four real ale clubs in the country. We are seeing more and more clubs making quality real ale a priority, which makes the competition stronger than ever.

"Clubs play a huge role in many local communities across the UK. They provide a safe, social environment in which to enjoy a pint with people who you know and trust. They can help people build and strengthen social networks and can be a lifeline in times of need. To be a part of a club is to be part of a family."

The other three finalists include the Albatross Club (RAFA) in Bexhill, the Cheltenham Motor Club in Cheltenham and Leyton Orient FC Supporters Club.

All finalists were presented with a commemorative plate at the Club Mirror Awards last night. They will then have to wait until spring next year to discover which will be named CAMRA's Club of the Year.