But the pub's owners shut the premises down and sold it to a firm of developers before the award could be handed over.

Now the beer fans plan to invite the new owners to join them on the steps of the closed and boarded-up pub to collect the award – plus a demand that it be reopened.

The Summercross is the only pub serving the outlying east side of Otley close to the road to Pool.

The pub had been struggling until a new licensee took over and brought it back to life.

It became a centre for the community, with live music, quiz nights and other events.

But the licensee was suddenly given notice to quit in October by the pub's London owners.

The pub was boarded up and sold to a firm of property developers in Horsforth.

It has stood empty and unused ever since.

Shortly before the closure, members of Leeds branch of the consumer pressure group the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) voted to name the Summercross the "most improved" pub in the Leeds district – a mark of its success.

But the pub was shut down before they could present the award.

Now Camra and Leeds North West Liberal Democrat MP Greg Mulholland – a regular at the Summercross – are inviting the pub's owners, Chartford Homes, to collect the award on Friday this week.

Also present will be supporters of a campaign group which was launched to press for the reopening of the pub.

No-one was immediately available to comment on behalf of Chartford Homes.