A COUPLE who transformed a rundown pub into a thriving area for the community have won an award.

Emily and Are Koltveit, who took over the Chandos Arms, in Colindale, 18 months ago, received the Newcomer of the Year award at the Star Pubs & Bars celebration night.

They had no previous pub experience but Emily, a church administrator and Are, a sound engineer and record producer from Norway, gave up their jobs to take the pub over.