A VILLAGE pub is throwing a party to celebrate being crowned County Gazette Pub of the Year.

The York Inn, in Churchinford, is hosting a fun-filled bash on Saturday, September 2, to share its win with loyal customers.

There will be a hog roast and wood-fired pizza for guests to feast on and a live band will take the stage to soundtrack the event.

Landlord Dan Prettejohn said: "We are so thrilled to have won County Gazette Pub of the Year and for our hard work to be recognised.

"At the York Inn, we do all we can to support the local community, and we are so grateful for their support.

"The team and I are always thinking of ways to help others, and we are beyond lucky to be able to use the York Inn as a platform and community hub for fundraising initiatives.

"We cannot wait to celebrate this achievement with you all.”

The popular Honiton Road pub was nominated by pubgoers who voted for the favourite hostelry after 10 entrants were shortlisted in the competition.

READ MORE: York Inn voted County Gazette Pub of the Year.

A spokesperson for Stonegate Group, which owns the York Inn, said: "The York Inn always has the community at the forefront of everything it does.

"From supplying delicious food and refreshing drinks to amazing regular entertainment and fundraisers, the pub offers something for everyone."

The Pub of the Year title is not the first award Dan and his team have received.

He was recently awarded The Chairman’s Award for Service to the Community by Somerset County Council for all his community and fundraising work carried out through the pub.

The team also scooped an accolade for their ‘Meals on Wheels’ during the pandemic and have recently won a contract to supply a local primary school with school meals.

After Dan heard he had won the Pub of the Year title at the York Inn, which closed a few years ago, he told the County Gazette: "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."