Judged on the quality of their real ale, the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) gave the honour to The Prior John and the Marine Bar in Bridlington and the Ship Inn in Sewerby.

Making up the quintet of fine local hostelries in the Good Beer Guide 2009 are the Board Inn in Skipsea and the Anvil Arms in Wold Newton.

The guide, which includes descriptions of more than 4,500 pubs nationwide, looks at the beer on offer but also takes into account the food, history, accomodation and architecture of the pub as well as its suitability for families.

A spokesman for CAMRA said: "The Prior John deserves its place in the Good Beer Guide.

"It is our belief that if a licensee serves an excellent pint of real ale then everything else in the pub, including customer service, quality of food, decor and atmosphere, are likely to be of an equally high standard."

Prior John manager Kenny Adnitt said he was delighted the pub had been recognised for the quality of its real ales.

"We offer our customers an excellent range of real ales at all times, including those from regional brewers and microbrewers.

"Our staff work hard to ensure the real ales are kept in first-class condition at all times and the pub's inclusion in the guide highlights this."

Kath Carver, from the Board Inn in Skipsea, who has been at the pub with her partner Gary for 14 years, said she was very pleased to be included in the guide and hoped it would help their business. "I hope it might just do a bit for our trade, there are so many pubs closing it is unbelievable.

"The Government needs to start doing something because it is a shame."

Sheila Baker, landlady at the Anvil Arms in Wold Newton, said she was extremely happy to make it back into the guide after being included last year.

"I'm absolutely delighted we have been selected again," she said.

The 300-year-old Grade II listed pub offers Black Sheep and John Smith's cask ales along with a selection of rotating guest beers, and Shiela said being included really helps trade.

"People come in; one because of the age of the pub and, two, because of the fact we are in CAMRA. "Being nominated like this really helps the pub."

Ian McLean, manager at the Marine Bar in North Marine Drive, Bridlington, was delighted to make it into the guide again. We are thrilled to be in it.

"It is a good thing to have and makes a bit of a difference.