A VILLAGE pub that was closed a few years back has recovered so well that it has won the County Gazette Pub of the Year title.

It is the second time in a few months that landlord Dan Prettejohn has picked up an accolade for the York Inn, in Churchinford.

Dan said: "I'm delighted with the news.

"I considered myself a winner when I heard I'd been shortlisted, so to actually go all the way is something special.

"I'd like to accept the award on behalf or the amazing community in Churchinford.

"The response from the locals has been superb."

Dan, who earlier this year won the county council Charman's Award for services to the community, said: "The pub is so successful because we do a lot.

"Through Covid we did meals on wheels for the elderly and also did takeaways through Covid.

"And now we do school dinners. We work really hard."

Dan, who has lived in the village most of his life, has been mine host at the York Inn for the past six years.

"The locals have supported it so much," he added.

"It was closed for a year, but the previous landlord before me got it up and running again.

"We've gone on and improved it even more.

"I've got 35 members of staff working various hours. This award of recognition of everything they do."