Allendale Co-Operative supports Allendale Primary School

Neville has worked at Allendale Co-Operative since he was 16, starting work as a Saturday boy in the mid-1970s.

He then worked his way up to general manager and has been in the position since 2008.

Kirsten Robinson, Secretary of Allendale Co-Operative, said: "He's extremely dedicated."

"It keeps him busy, and keeps him in touch with the community. He knows everyone by name and knows all the families. It's a community based shop so he knows everyone," Kirsten said.

JUDGE: Manager of Allendale Co-Operative and judge of Allendale Primary School’s Easter Egg competition, Neville Pringle. Image: Allendale Co-Operative Society

"There are customers who remember when he started. As a manager, it is challenging but satisfying, as it's a key feature of the local Allendale community. We help local groups with donations and grants, and Neville's a big part of that."

Allendale Co-Operative is an independent shop owned by the local members of Allen Valley.

Neville judges Allendale Primary School's Easter Egg competition every year, and Kirsten said he loves being part of it.

Kirsten said: "He absolutely looks forward to it, he loves to see the eggs."

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She said all the entries were such a high standard, and one winner was picked from each class.

"The Allendale Co-Operative also donates Easter Eggs as prizes for the competition, and everyone gets an Easter treat for taking part," Kirsten said.

"Winners received a Cadbury Easter Egg and everyone else received a Malteaster Bunny," she added.

One Easter egg was decorated and named in honour of Neville.

"He was particularly thrilled with the Easter egg of him," Kirsten said.

The children decorated their eggs at home and brought them to school.

Allendale is a welcoming place to spend Easter, she said.

"The pubs do nice Easter dinners, the churches do special services in the area, and we've had some fundraising for Ukraine so it's a very welcoming place."

Allendale was named one of the best places to live in the country in 2019, in The Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide.

Some of the factors that influenced the award was based on employment, schools, and overall community spirit.

Coun. Colin Horncastle, who was born and educated in Allendale, said: "For a small village, we have a wonderful range of services, shops, pubs, places of interest, and excellent schools."

Neville was also a retained fireman for Allendale Community Fire Station and Crew.