Over 300 guests gathered at the Doncaster's Keepmoat Stadium on Monday 22 nd January to celebrate and acclaim Doncaster's best venues with the staging of the 2006 Best Bar None Awards.

Doncaster Evening Economy Partnership (DEEP) sent out a clear signal to the rest of South Yorkshire that they are serious about the developments and improvements in the evening economy within the town centre and through the Best Bar None Scheme showed a commitment to providing visitors to Doncaster a safe and enjoyable night out.

In total 38 town centre premises were awarded accreditation certificates under the scheme, which required them to meet the 20 essential criteria set by the Best Bar None awarding body.

A further 5 awards were made for Best Behind Bar, Friendliest Atmosphere, Best Bar, Best Pub and Best Club and finally the ultimate accolade of Overall Winner went to the seventies themed club Flares.

DEEP Manager Ray Knowles said of the event "We are delighted to be the first town in South Yorkshire to embrace the principles of the Best Bar None scheme. It recognises and promotes venues that are actively involved in improving their business for the benefit of their cliental and staff as well as contributing to the improved vitality of the town. The fact we have given out 38 accreditation awards tonight shows that we have made a great start and we want to go on to bigger and better things in the future."

Andy Constantine Best Bar None Development Officer said after the awards, "Our main winners and the overall winner have all gone the extra mile and been recognised by an independent panel as being responsible and socially aware. They have embraced the principles of the scheme and shown their commitment to safety, security, responsible drinking and collectively are helping us to raise the public perception of Doncaster as a great place for a night out with something for everyone."

As well as the awards, guests enjoyed a mix of live entertainment from violinist Alex Parker, Ti'Amero, and Kelly Llorenna.

Local charity Help A Hallam Child also benefited from the evening to the tune of £3000 - the proceeds of an auction of prizes donated by a number of businesses.

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