Above and beyond the call of duty...

Landlord of the Flying Horse, Ben Boothman, with his trusty old van

The snow was already so deep the buses and taxis had given up for the night and it was still snowing hard so landlord of the Flying Horse, Ben Boothman, showed what real customer service is by offering each customer a free bed in the hotel (upstairs) for the night. However, whilst that very generous offer was taken up by some customers, one in particular needed to get home urgently for his diabetic medication.

Going way beyond customer service, and beyond the call of duty, Ben came to the rescue with his old van to make sure John Farrow got home to take the medication he needed.

With the conditions treacherous, Ben wasn't at all sure he would make it to Whitworth, but he was determined to try and make it he did.

In a grateful thank you to Ben, John said: "I just wanted to place on record my appreciation for your help in getting me home on Friday through the treacherous conditions to make sure I got my medication. I'd have been in big trouble had I not got home to it, and considering there were no taxis running I didn't have many options.

"I've also been asked to pass on thanks from my friends who you put up for the night, free of charge in the hotel. Your generosity and consideration for the safety of your customers was second to none. Surely the best landlord around."

Having done that trip, Ben returned to the Flying Horse and ferried another four customers home in his van as well.