The Flintshire pub that has been there for the community during lockdown

You inundated us with nominations for businesses that have not only worked to provide services as usual, but who have gone above and beyond to support their customers and communities.

With lockdown measures likely to gradually to ease in the coming months, we are spotlighting those businesses that kept us going through the difficult times.

One such business is the Red Lion pub in Penyffordd, the winner in the pubs and restaurants category.

While keeping the business going throughout the last 12 months, as much as lockdown restrictions allowed, the Team Red of volunteers at the Red Lion went the extra mile to support its community.

Whether it was giving free meals to NHS workers, care packages to those unable to leave their homes, or organising socially-distanced events like Easter egg hunts in the village, the Red Lion has been there in these most challenging times.

One nomination read: "This team have keep our village going though lockdown they have fed our NHS for free with any meal they want they have put on a teddy bear hunt which we all put teddies in our windows they did the same with an Easter egg hunt. They say not all heroes wear capes, well this local pub has a team of heroes they are brilliant and are still doing so much for our village. They go the extra mile for anyone in need."

Another said: "The Red Lion has been the hub of the community for years before lockdown and continued to support local residents during lockdown. They even have their own team of volunteers who have provided gift bags to children, hampers to the elderly and local hospitals and ambulance service. They have also offered virtual meetings on a Saturday night. They have kept residents’ spirits high."

Another added: "The Red Lion has adapted to the changing circumstances through lockdowns and relaxing of restrictions very effectively to keep staff and customers safe. In addition their team of volunteers, Team Red, have provided support to the community and also raised funds for local charities."

Site manager at the Red Lion Steve Saxon said that the Red Lion would always be there for the people of Penyffordd and he was grateful to all those that nominated.

He said: "It started off as just things for the local volunteers to get involved with and to give the people of Penyffordd something to do during lockdown, and it stemmed from there and got bigger and bigger. We've raised tens of thousands of pounds now through the Team Red volunteers; we've helped to get care packs to people that are isolating and done shopping for people that need it."

Steve added: "It's nice to see that our work has been noticed. We have a couple of dozen volunteers, they all do it in their own time, and nobody gains except the people that we are helping.

The business side of the Red Lion has kept going strong, either through home delivery or serving customers outside as the restrictions have changed. That so many people have nominated us is amazing.

Steve said: "The pub has continued to keep trading in some capacity over the last 12 months, we've never had a period where we've shut down completely. The demand is there, and massive credit to the local community. I've aways said this, there is no community like Penyffordd, they just come out and they hep each other. It's an amazing place to live. It's not just the pandemic that has brought this out in us, it's always been the same."

And the Red Lion team is looking forward to welcoming people back when restrictions are eased.

Steve added: "We are desperate to reopen the pub. We want the place open, we have an amazing outdoor space here that has won awards.We are set up and ready to go. Any form of normality would be appreciated. We are gearing up for a summer opening and hopefully that will be the last time we will have to reopen."