Villagers in Bradford-on-Tone have been thanked after they rallied to support engineers who worked round the clock to restore gas supplies to the village.

A car crashed and damaged part of the above ground gas network the Monday before Christmas, affecting gas supplies to about 130 properties.

Gas engineers, who worked to restore gas supplies with 24 hours, were touched by how supportive members of the local community were.

Daniel Lawrence, Wales and West Utilities gas emergency service manager for Somerset, Exeter & North Devon, said: “When we were alerted to the situation, we had to turn off the gas supply to 130 homes in the village, leaving them without mains gas until we repaired the damage caused by the car crash. Villagers were really understanding, considering the approach to Christmas and, of course, Coronavirus, but still showed true community spirit.”

Company staff were able to use the village hall as a base from which they could give out hot plates, blankets and other supplies to those who needed it, while staff at the White Horse Inn public house offered hot drinks to engineers as they worked to restore gas supplies.

Daniel added: “We were touched by the way in which everyone came to support us as we carried out this essential work. Thanks to their kindness, we were able to concentrate on getting gas supplies up and running within 24 hours of the accident.

“On behalf of my team at Wales & West Utilities I’d like to say a huge thank you for the understanding and kindness from local people – it really made a difference to us being able to get the gas flowing again.”

By way of saying thank you, the company has given £200 to Bradford-on-Tone village hall, which was offered free of charge at short notice.