A PUB in Churchinford has been declared the best in the country after taking the top spot in the prestigious Countryside Alliance Awards.

Landlord of the York Inn, Dan Prettejohn, entered the contest having already been named the best in the South West in last year’s awards - and emerged as the best in the United Kingdom.

Sometimes referred to as the ‘rural oscars’ the awards celebrate rural businesses across the country - with this year’s champions treated to a reception in the House of Lords on Tuesday, June 25.

Commenting after claiming the top spot, landlord Dan said: “I went to London as Countryside Alliance Southwest Pub Champion and I am now coming back as the UK Champion.

“Thanks to Everyone who supports this tiny village pub . Safe to say ‘ in the middle of nowhere’ is now on the map.”

The Countryside Alliance said Dan would now be working toward buying the pub, and ensuring it remains a ‘pillar’ in the local community: “Having achieved his dream of becoming the landlord of The York Inn, Dan continues to strive to purchase the pub and ensure it remains a pillar of support and community in Churchinford and beyond.”

It is understood the pub batted away thousands of competitors in the contest, in which almost 20,000 entered across all the categories, to emerge as the victors.

Now in their 16th year, the Countryside Alliance Awards claim to have become the “definitive rural business award” to win and are set apart from other award schemes because they are driven by public nomination, offering customers an opportunity to say why their favourite businesses were worthy of national acclaim.

A spokesperson for the Countryside Alliance commented: “Run across the whole of the United Kingdom, the awards recognise and reward rural businesses and individuals who go above and beyond in their contributions to the community across five categories.

“The awards help promote rural businesses, giving them a platform to reach a wider audience and highlight the importance of community sprit and the vital roles these businesses play in maintaining the fabric of rural life.

“This year, our champion’s reception, held in The House of Lords, saw a great selection of businesses honoured.”

The York Inn wasn’t the only entrant from Churchinford to throw their hat in the ring, with the nearby community shop making a bid to be named the UK’s top village shop.

The volunteer-run village shop, which now includes a Post Office, was set up as community interest company in 2010, originally operating from a portable building in the village hall car park, and profits are put back into the business or to local projects.

The shop supports more than 30 local producers within a five-mile radius of Churchinford who provide meat, dairy products, free-range eggs, bread, cakes, sandwiches, cider, and beer.

It also acts as a ‘mini rural tourist information centre’ offering maps and details of local services and events.

While the village shop made the shortlist, this time, it didn’t take the crown.