Community award for Axminster Football Club's 'one in a million' Dan Prettejohn

In Axminster, Dan Prettejohn is known for steering Axminster Town Football Club to their best ever position, with the Tigers having finished in sixth place in the South West Peninsular Premier East division last season.

But out in the Blackdown Hills, the Tigers' manager is a bit of a local hero.

Dan, landlord of the popular York Inn in Churchinford, was last week presented with an award for services to the community for outstanding effort over a sustained period by Cllr Mike Best, chair of Somerset County Council.

 Mr Prettejohn was nominated by Sue Little and supported by Churchstanton Parish Council.

His nomination recorded that during the time he had been landlord at the York Inn, Mr Prettejohn had become  "the heart and soul of our community". 

The nomination continued: "He is somebody who has given total commitment, personal time, and enormous effort to ensure the wellbeing of the community that he serves, and he should be recognised for his efforts. 

"Dan has made a significant impact on Churchinford village, not least during the COVID pandemic when he provided a lunchtime menu of two courses for only £5.50, which included personal delivery by Dan, not only within the parish but also to our neighbouring villages. 

 "On occasions, there could be more than 100 covers in any one day. The number of covers suggests that there was a valuable need for this especially with the more vulnerable residents within our parish and beyond, which Dan personally took on board and immediately responded to. 

"To this day Dan continues to deliver takeaway meals to vulnerable residents in our community. 

 "Dan consistently supports all events within our village, often providing raffle prizes paid for by him personally and, in one instance, through his personal support together with events held in The York Inn, he raised more than £11,000 to send a little girl to America for life saving treatment. 

 "In addition to this, Dan has hosted many charity fundraising events in the pub which always draw a crowd, he is a strong and consistent advocate and supporter of our pre-school who rely on fundraising to support their operating needs and any of his customers who are hardworking NHS staff are acknowledged with a discount. 

 "Never forgetting the young people in our village, Santa is a regular visitor to the pub, making an appearance every year at an event that is known throughout the village as the 'place to be' on Christmas Eve. Presents for the children are provided to Santa (and paid for) by Dan himself. And then there is Easter and Halloween.

 "In summary, Dan has the common touch; he is always keen to keep his menu not only affordable but plentiful for all his customers and he has selflessly and voluntarily given himself, time and time again to provide for and support all generations throughout our community. Well done and thank you Dan, you are truly 'one in a million'."