Members of an under-threat historic sports and social club in Halesowen are putting on a brave face after it was crowned best in the region.

The fate of the Somers Sports and Social Club is hanging in the balance and a court case is looming as the trustees seek repossession.

But manager Pete Russell was today still smiling and toasting the success of the 250-year-old club which was voted top in the region by real ale buffs from The Stourbridge & Halesowen Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra).

Mr Russell said he was “delighted” to take the title and said it would give members a lift.

The venue based at the Grange in Bromsgrove Road has already won the accolade six times as well as clinching National Club of the Year on three occasions. 

At a brief hearing at Stourbridge County Court last month trustees of the Walter Somers Employees Fund were granted 28 days to amend the basis of the repossession claim. Directors of the sports club will also have 21 days to respond before a hearing in Birmingham.