BENEDICT Cumberbatch's favourite Isle of Wight pub got the thumbs-up from Beer and Buses fans.

The pub of choice of the Sherlock Holmes actor, who was married at the nearby church in Mottistone, was backed by the record number of people taking part in October's Classic Beer, Buses and Walks Weekend who voted the Sun Inn at Hulverstone number one.

Real ale fans are given the opportunity to vote for their favourite pub over the two days based on their overall experience at each venue. Runners-up this year were the new Joe's Bar at Niton and the Sportsman's Rest in Porchfield which was, like The Sun, rescued from closure.

The Sun is run by Vicky Hartley and Jamie Sowerby, who were understandably delighted at the accolade.

Vicky said: "This is our first year of running the pub and we have worked hard to create a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. This proves we are achieving our aims."

Tim Marshall, of the Isle of Wight branch of CAMRA, said: "We congratulate the Sun Inn on topping our visitors' poll.

"In addition, the 77 pubs with charity buckets in their bars to collect small change during the event raised over £1,250 which has been shared between 45 charities."

The marking was so close in some cases that the top ten venues became 11.

Results: 1 The Sun Inn, Hulverstone; 2 Joe's Bar, Niton, Sportsman's Rest, Porchfield (joint second); Porchfield Cricket Club, Porchfield; 5 Culver Haven, Culver Down; 6 Bargeman's Rest, Newport, The Castle, Sandown (joint sixth); joint 8 Newport Ale House, King's Head, Yarmouth, joint 10 Chine, Shanklin, Cowes Ale House.