PUBGOERS are being asked to raise a glass in tribute to their favourite hostelries.

Voting for Yorkshire’s Favourite Pub 2014 has now been launched and organiser Welcome to Yorkshire is encouraging people across the county to tell them about their favourite watering hole.

Last year, the competition attracted over 10,000 votes in total for around 700 different pubs – with the Carpenters Arms at Felixkirk, near Thirsk, being named as the eventual winner.

General manager Deborah Whitwell said: "We were thrilled when our name was read out as the winning pub in 2013 and it’s such a great feeling to be recognised for our hard work.

“It’s a fantastic competition and we’d encourage pubs and patrons to get involved and make the most of it.”

Welcome to Yorkshire chief executive Gary Verity said: “I think it’s safe to say that Yorkshire has some of the finest, most diverse pubs.

“They have a passion for what they do – and do best – which is why we’re delighted to be running this popular competition again. We hope people will get involved and nominate their favourite.”

The public can vote until May 18 yorkshire.com/pub and say in 20 words why their nomination is worthy of the title.

The top 30 pubs – as voted for by the public – will feature in the new Welcome to Yorkshire Ale Trail, supported by Black Sheep Brewery.

The 10 pubs with the most votes from the final 30 will then go head-to-head in a straight public vote from May 22 to find a winner, with the results being announced at the Great YToirkshire Show in July.