The Black Bull in Halifax Road, which is renowned for its real ales, has been given the accreditation after passing a series of rigorous tests.

Judges from the Cask Marque Trust were looking for taste, appearance, temperature and the aroma of the beers – and they all passed with flying colours.

Landlord Gavin Casey, who has been behind the pumps at the Bull for five years, said it was a real feather in the cap not only for the pub, but for owners Ossett Brewery.

It was the first pub to be bought by the brewery – it now has a chain of 14 – and the Bull is considered its flagship.

"The judges looked at six beers: Ossett's Silver King, Treacle Stout, Pale Gold and Black Bull, Fuller's London Pride and Fernandes Credit Crunch," said Gavin.

"We were told they were coming, but not when, so it was a real test of how we always keep our beers.

"It's a big achievement for us and they'll come back every 12 months to make sure the standards are still as high. If not, you lose the accreditation.

"It's down to the quality of the beer which is produced, the condition we keep it in down in the cellar, and then the staff being able to pull a really good pint.

"It's a reflection of the work done by all the staff because without them we couldn't do it."

Gavin said there was a real resurgence of interest in real ale.

"People are getting more selective and looking for quality and a good price," he said, admitting that he was something of a convert himself.

"I used to be a lager man but when I came here, Jamie Lawson – the owner of Ossett Brewery – joked that I couldn't drink it any more, I had to have real ale.

"Now my preferred drink is Pale Gold – though I do still sneak the odd lager from time to time!"