COURAGE is a commodity easily forgotten when discussing the ingredients of business success.

But it's immediately app-arent when you meet Wendy Moss, leaseholder of Y Coed Duon (The Black Wood) in Blackwood High Street. She has just won Punch Taverns' Shine Award for South Wales and will compete in the national finals in London in January.

She was entered into the competition on the strength of a remarkable 300 per cent increase in turnover at the bar since she took over the lease six months ago.

Her trophy and certificate are proudly on display behind the bar.

Prior to her takeover, the property was known as The George Hotel. A fire ended its trading days, and Punch Taverns decided the time was right for a major refurbishment.

Wendy purchased her 10-year lease with proceeds from the sale of her family home. She has five children, the eldest living away from home. The other four have moved into Y Coed Duon with her.

Remarkably this is her first go at running a pub, previous experience amounting to some stints of bar work.

After a short course she passed her British Institute of Innkeepers' exams and got stuck in.

A big factor in her success is that she has obviously got entertainment and hospitality in the blood.

Growing up in Abergav-enny and moving to Black-wood 22-years ago she has pursued ballet, ballroom and modern dance and belonged to several pantomime groups.

Wendy, in fact, has been putting on a show all her life. And at Y Coed Duon it's obviously paying off.

It's a food, drink and entertainment venue with steak nights on Mondays, curry and karaoke on Wednesdays.

"The karaoke is going very well," said Wendy.

"We've got our grand final on November 4."

The venue has also been holding regular 70s nights which have attracted a different age group. "You have to watch the trends and see what people are enjoying," she said.

Wendy is preparing a big Hallowe'en weekend and has organised costumes for herself and her staff.

"My belief is that if you're going to do something, you do it well."

Her responsibilities are considerable: a busy bar with a seven-day operation needs staff.

Wendy employs 20 by the time you add up kitchen workers, doormen, DJs and bar staff.

Her 23-year-old son works full time in the office "because there is just so much paperwork to do".

Wendy admits that the last six months have been the hardest in her life and selling the family home was a huge step to take.

But she's proud of the stab she has made at it - and so are her kids.

"They're proud of me and proud of the Shine Award."