Get voting for your favourite pub in south Norfolk.

That is the message from the organisers of a competition to find the best watering hole in the district.

There is just two weeks to go for people to make their nominations for South Norfolk Council's Pub of the Year award, which is backed by the Mercury.

Punters are being urged to nominate their favourite local by Friday, July 31 when the council will call time on the first round of the competition.

Martin Wilby, South Norfolk Council's deputy leader, said: 'Pubs are going all out to pull in the votes this year and we've already received some brilliant reasons why pubs deserve to win.

'Our pubs play a huge part in local life and through this competition we strive to support them, help raise their profile and make sure they're here to stay.'

'So whether it's the real ales, the hosting of local events, running the local shop or Post Office, the friendly atmosphere or delicious local food, we want to hear what makes your favourite pub so special.

'Show them how much you value them by voting for your local now.'

The competition, now in its sixth year, has been supported by the charity Pub is the Hub, and local representative Terry Stork will be joining Mr Wilby and fellow councillor Alison Thomas and the EDP and Mercury community editor for Diss Anthony Carroll on the judging panel.

They will whittle down the nominations to five South Norfolk Neighbourhood winners, and pick an overall winner who will receive the top prize of £1,000 and the use of the council's event team to put on an event for the whole community.

Mr Carroll said: 'I am looking forward to judging the competition and I know the standard of entries will be high.'

The awards will be presented at a special ceremony at the council's headquarters in Long Stratton in September.

Last year's winners of the competition, The Waterfront Inn in Diss, are using their winnings to host a pirate-themed family fun day on August 22.

You can vote for your favourite community pub in south Norfolk by texting 80010 with 'Pub' followed by the name and location of the pub and why you think they should win, or by emailing your nomination to pubs@s-norfolk.gov.uk or visiting www.facebook.com/southnorfolkcouncil