Proud of Your Staff: The Crossways Inn, Devon

The team at the Crossways Inn in the village of Folly Gate, near Okehampton, Devon, is the latest to be nominated for The Publican's Proud of Your Staff initiative.

Licensee Wendy Williams had a tough time last summer having to look after a sick relative. But her 10-strong team rallied round her to ensure the business ran smoothly.

"They all pulled together and chipped in to help me out - I can't thank them enough," says Wendy, who has a leasehold at the pub with her husband John. "Our chef was supposed to go on holiday but he worked until I was able to get back to work."

In the two years that Wendy and John have been in charge of the Crossways Inn, they have taken it from being a rundown boozer to a community pub to be proud of. Pub staff recently treated Wendy to a surprise party. "It was great," she adds. "Jono, our chef, organised an amazing buffet at a different venue and everyone had a fantastic time."

When it comes to dealing with the pub's elderly customers, Wendy says the staff are always extra helpful. "We have a lot of older people come in and they always bend over backwards to help them out and they really appreciate that."

Are you Proud of Your Staff? Tell us why one member of your team or your whole staff deserves to be recognised and they could receive a star prize. Call 020 7955 3713 or email proudofpubs@thepublican.com