London's pubs have reverted to doing what they do best: being at the centre of the community they serve. Today, Stella Artois launches its search for London's best-loved local with a handsome £5,000 in prize money for the winning pub. The money will be used to enhance the pub's environment to the benefit of the community with projects such as a new beer garden or a children's play area. But which pub will win the prize? It’s your votes that count.

There was a time when we used our local pubs to interact with friends and neighbours. Pubs were where we met to support each other,
discuss issues and provide solutions to our
local community's problems. They were
safe, happy days where everyone in the
local knew everyone else and looked after
each other. Those were the days when we
truly loved our local pub, which was at the
heart of the community and instilled in it a
sense of pride, identity and cohesion and
promoted a responsible drinking
environment.

Those days are back! And now, Stella
Artois is looking to recognise and reward
London's best-loved local, whether its
regulars visit it after work or from home.
And we're looking for readers to vote for
the winner of the Love Your Local
campaign.

The Knight's Templar, below on Chancery Lane played host to the 8th Holborn Scouts' tea party and evening buffet to mark their centenary

Pass on your stories – whether you think your local has contributed in a small or a large way, it's the demonstration of commitment to rebuilding the fabric of the local community that counts. For example, your local might run a message board for regulars, it may have done a litter pick in a local green space or organised a day out for local families. It can be a lot more than simply raising money for charity. Whatever the reason you Love Your Local – be it involvement in the local community, funny personal experiences, a great crowd or amazingly friendly landlords and bar staff – make sure you have your say!

The winning pub will receive £5000 to enhance the pub's environment to the benefit of the community. The winning licensee/s will receive £2000 with a further £1500 to be used for staff incentives. If your pub is the winning pub you could also win £1000.

The three pubs that finish as runners-up will each receive £1500 to go towards enhancing the pub's environment to the benefit of the community. The licensee/s will also receive £2000 with a further £1500 to be used for staff incentives.

If you love your local and want to see it rewarded for its efforts in the community, vote now by visiting www.loveyourlocal.co.uk. Whether you’re a neighbour, regular, beneficiary, landlord or member of staff, you can create your own nomination or add your support to an existing nomination. You can also write to us free of charge at: FREEPOST RRXU-LHYA-AUSB Love Your Local, Southside,105 Victoria Street, London SW1E 6QT

If you are a landlord/landlady and you want to register your pub, call free on 0800 013 7982 and request your Love Your Local starter pack. A judging panel will decide the winners who will be announced in October. Pubs will be judged against set criteria including friendliness, community involvement, cleanliness, responsible drinking and number of votes. Vote now and continue to love your local.

For terms and conditions please log onto www.loveyourlocal.co.uk