The landlord of a public house which became a refuge for survivors of the tragic school coach crash in West Somerset last July has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the King’s Birthday Honours.

Eric Norman, aged 75, who has run the popular Rest And Be Thankful Inn, in Wheddon Cross, for more than 20 years, is one of three West Somerset people to to receive an honour.

Actress Susan George, who now lives near Minehead and runs a stud farm breeding Arabian horses, also received a BEM for services to charity, while Barbara Hughes, who was born in Watchet and lived in Dunster, was awarded an OBE for services to further education.

ERIC NORMAN

Mr Norman immediately opened up his pub after the coach crash, which killed a 10-year-old pupil and injured dozens more children and adults.

The BEM citation praised Mr Norman’s ‘quick actions, kindness, and quiet leadership’.

It read: “On July 17, 2025, following a devastating coach accident in Somerset involving 70 pupils, he immediately opened his pub to serve as a rest centre for the survivors, many of whom were children.

“His pub became an essential place of refuge, comfort, and co-ordination for survivors, school staff, families, and emergency services.

“He acted quickly and selflessly, providing a safe refuge that immediately relieved pressure on the emergency services and local authority response.

“He offered stability, kindness, and worked alongside professionals with quiet leadership and empathy, providing comfort to adults and children in shock and distress.

“His instinctive generosity and unwavering support served as a powerful local testament to community response during an emergency, leading local leaders to praise how his quick actions enabled the emergency responders to work effectively.”

The coach was returning with Minehead Middle School pupils and staff from an end of school year outing to Exmoor Zoo, when it came off the A396 Cutcombe Hill about a mile-and-a-half from Wheddon Cross.

Speaking to the BBC shortly after, Mr Norman said: "The first I knew something had happened was when a member of Avon and Somerset police rang and said, 'there has been a major incident down the road, could we use your facilities as the main area for all the walking wounded to be seen by the emergency services?' to which we said 'of course they can'.

"From then on, I can honestly say the services were quick and efficient beyond belief."

Mr Norman said teachers quickly arrived with First Aid equipment, followed by paramedics.

Having been born nearby and the pub landlord for nearly 20 years, Mr Norman said he had ‘grown up’ in the community.

He said: "I love them.

"The community has pulled together immensely.

“That was no surprise at all because we are a country community, therefore, we know when problems arise somebody will always be there to help and do things.

“Simple as that."

SUSAN GEORGE

A BEM was awarded to Ms George for her charitable services, which saw her launch the charity Lasting Life in 2016, inspired by the devastating loss of her actor husband Simon MacCorkindale to cancer in 2010.

Ms George was praised for selflessly taking on the majority of the running of Lasting Life, often prioritising the charity's demands over her career as an international actress.

The citation said Ms George’s fund-raising efforts were ‘exemplary’, including managing an exclusive online charity shop ‘My Things & Others’, which sells items donated by celebrity friends, and organising events such as gala evenings, dinners, and musical soirees.

The charity operates with a unique, flexible vision where funding goes directly to nominated people in need, ensuring low running costs and a high impact.

Examples of support include donations to Breast Cancer Haven for emotional and physical support, Hannah's Holiday Home appeal for families of children with cancer, and a specially-designed couch for complimentary treatments at the Lynda Jackson MacMillan Centre.

BARBARA HUGHES

An OBE went to Ms Hughes, who now lives in Evesham, Worcestershire, and was lately chairman of governors of Solihull College and University Centre (SCUC), in the West Midlands.

A SCUC spokesperson said: “Barbara has made an exceptional and sustained contribution to the further education sector over a distinguished 40-year career, demonstrating the highest standards of public service, leadership, and innovation.

Ms Hughes was born in Watchet in 1955 and lived in Dunster from 1956 to 1972, where her parents Llewellyn and Gwynfa Pluck owned the Foresters Arms and Spears Cross Hotel with its famous model village.

She attended Dunster Primary School before going on to the West Somerset School, in Minehead.

Ms Hughes said: “I am truly humbled and honoured to receive an OBE.

“It has been a privilege to work in further education and to support an organisation that is so committed to transforming lives through learning.

“I have been very lucky in my long career in education and skills to have had tremendous women role models and constant support from family and friends.

“My time at SCUC was the pinnacle of my career working with excellent staff and governors and great students, for which I will always be grateful.”

Her award reflects a significant contribution to national priorities, including skills development, lifelong learning, and regional economic growth, and cements her legacy as one of the sector’s most influential leaders.

College principal Dr Rebecca Gater said: “Barbara’s dedication to further education is truly remarkable, and this honour is richly deserved.

“Her leadership has helped shape not only our college, but the further education and skills landscape across the West Midlands and beyond.

“She has made a lasting difference to the lives of thousands of learners, and we are incredibly proud to see her recognised with an OBE.”