A FOCAL point for all things sport, most agree The New Inn has played a blinder when it comes to serving the community.

The pub in Stratton St Margaret has a clientele ranging in age from 19 to 60, and that remains so on band nights featuring some of the region's best acts.

It’s not unusual to see college students mix with veterans of the punk and ska scenes at electrifying nights of music.

But the Arkell’s venue prides itself on sport, with 18 darts teams, cribs teams, and seven TV screens for live matches.

This is combined with real ales, friendly service and a traditional feel which stays true to its 150-year history.

The Adver is featuring the best pubs in Swindon for Community Pubs Month, run by the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) to champion the local trade.

Landlord Derek Rowlands said: “The pub runs totally on sport. As well as the darts and TV screens we have four pool teams, two crib teams and three football teams.

“I have always put on a lot of sport at all the pubs I have managed. I think it goes back to when I was in the forces and I did a lot of football, boxing and running.

“Every landlord brings something different to a pub and it has gone down very well with the regulars.

“We have a great mixture of people supporting different teams who come in here, whether it’s Liverpool, Manchester United or Chelsea, and people also come to watch the cricket.

“There's a good atmosphere from when we open to when we close.”

Derek, 60, is married to darts ace Tina, so a thriving roster of teams was always guaranteed at the pub. But one of the unusual scenes is a young clientele enjoying live bands at the weekends, instead of the house music offered in town.

Derek, who took over 18 months ago, said: “When I came here there were a lot of young people coming in. If they did something wrong I spoke to them and treated them fairly.

“From there they have helped create the atmosphere and we all enjoy ourselves. This pub has an age gap from 19 to 60, there is a real broad cross-section of people.

“It’s because we are a very friendly pub. If a stranger comes in here they will find someone to talk to even if they are on their own.”

The pub, in Swindon Road, is taking part in Camra's pubs campaign, which runs throughout April.

“The pub trade has earned me a living for more than 30 years,” Derek said. “It has its ups and downs but you get out what you put in.

“I think it's great that Camra and the Adver are promoting the best of the pubs in Swindon.”