Publican Dan Prettejohn, of The York Inn in Churchinford, has been supporting his community during the past year by providing hundreds of Meals on Wheels to the local area.

From families who were home-schooling and working from home to those having to isolate, the Meals on Wheels lunch service has provided an affordable alternative for a hot meal. 

This is in addition to a take-away menu of pub classics.

Open to everyone at lunch times on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, Dan offers a special menu of two courses for £6 consisting of a hot main meal and pudding.

Dan said: “When the first lockdown hit, we wanted to do what we could to help our community. We launched our takeaway menu, however we soon realised that we could go further and offer a more affordable menu at lunchtime.

“Everyone is welcome to take advantage of our Meals on Wheels lunches, and they are available to order for same day delivery. This is not a money-making exercise for us – we just hope it helps ensure people get a hot meal during the day and takes away the stress and worry about what to cook.”

Dan added: “One of the big reasons for doing it was the closure of schools, and in some cases school dinners were the only hot meals some children would have been getting.

“At Christmas we hired a carnival float, complete with Santa’s sleigh, and gave over 120 free selection boxes to any children who came to the village.”

The York Inn has also been donating snack boxes to the staff room of Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton. They include a wide variety of savoury and sweet treats for NHS staff and key workers to enjoy on their breaks. 

“We are delighted to be re-open now,” said Dan. “We missed our customers dearly.

“Our takeaway and Meals on Wheels services have allowed us to keep in touch with many of our regulars during each lockdown, however nothing can replace that pub experience, enjoying good food and drinks with your friends and family.

“We are still continuing with our takeaway and Meals on Wheels service – they have been so popular and proved to be a lifeline for some.”

Orders for Meal on Wheels must be made by 11am on the day required by calling the pub on 01823 601333.