Vote for capital's best pub - and win £1,000

The hunt for London's best-loved local pub is launched today.

Backed by the Evening Standard, Love Your Local aims to celebrate the important role pubs play in their communities.

Londoners are invited to vote for their favourite - everyone who does will be put in a draw for a £1,000 prize. The winning venue will be crowned Best Loved Local and will win £5,000. Three runners-up will win £1,500 each.

The competition and campaign was launched today at the Duchess in Battersea, owned by actor Jason Flemyng, who starred in Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels.

He said: "Love Your Local is a really positive campaign which can demonstrate how pubs reach out to their customers. I am excited to be part of this celebration of 'the local'." Putney-born Flemyng, 41, who was also in Snatch and Layer Cake, is due to join Brad Pitt in The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button, out this winter.

Steve Williams, London director of the Campaign for Real Ale, said 57 pubs close every month across the country, often to make way for flats. But he added: "London still has 5,500 pubs and we should champion them as a vital part of their communities."

Love Your Local is being run by Stella Artois. Readers have until 26 September to vote, with the winners announced in October.