An Intercity Express Train has been named after two inspirational community heroes who helped their respective South Hams neighbourhoods during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Inspirational street performer, Jeremy Doyle, and village champion, Preston de Mendonca, unveiled their own Great Western Railway train at Exeter St David’s last week.

Jeremy, was chosen for rallying to the aid of Totnes residents, carrying out various repairs, teaching DIY skills, fixing IT issues and staging a series of street gigs.

Preston, meanwhile, was busy inspiring residents in his village of Cornwood by promoting initiatives to build community cohesion, reduce isolation and support struggling families.

The pair were selected as Make a Difference Superstars by judges following a link-up between the BBC and Great Western Railway to celebrate people who went above and beyond to help others in their communities.

Now their names are emblazoned at either end of an Intercity Express Train.

Jeremy described it a tremendous honour, adding: “It’s quite astonishingly flattering but it’s not just about me.

“I think this wonderful occasion is as much for the whole close - our little micro-community - as it is about me.

“We all pulled together and it just worked.

“I’m extremely grateful and really quite humbled.”

During the Covid-19 lockdowns, Jeremy organised a support group in Totnes to assist with shopping, carried out a series of DIY jobs, showed neighbours how to make their own wooden benches, fixed a neighbour’s car, helped out with IT issues and even fed a young person’s rabbit.

But his biggest impact was arranging and playing in three socially-distanced concerts in his street, and arranging for the performances to feature live on Facebook for others to enjoy. 

Mick Rusling who nominated his neighbour for the award said Jeremy had helped “countless people in many ways.”

“Jeremy is a fine musician and perhaps his most inspirational thing was arranging and playing in/singing at three socially distanced concerts in the street, joined by his daughter and another local musician, Lewis Riley,” Mick said.

“This was a real lift for people, in particular those living alone with limited social contact.”

“He also organised an email support group for local residents in his street and two neighbouring streets.

“One means of support was shopping, particularly for those who were high risk, elderly, and people with health conditions who were required to shield and unable to venture out.

“This acted as a catalyst for others to help people within his neighbourhood.

“Jeremy also volunteered with Totnes Caring and his sunny disposition cheered his clients up”.

Preston helped set up a group of volunteers to keep the Cornwood Village Shop open when the owner had to shield during the lockdowns, ensuring it survived and provided vital food supplies for many in the community.

He also helped set up a Good Neighbour Group to ensure no-one fell through the gaps of lockdown; a group which has now morphed into a rapid community communication network, helping to bring villagers closer together.

Justin Reece who nominated Preston hailed him a “brilliant leader” in the village.

“When lockdown struck he was a key organiser in setting up a Good Neighbours scheme, kept the village shop going as much as restrictions allowed and kept up distribution of gifted food to those who depended on it,” said Justin.

“Utterly self-effacing and modest, Preston would not wish to take credit for any of this, but without his quiet determination, tenacity and stealthy ability to get other people to volunteer much of this would not have happened.”

Mark Chorley, GWR’s regional station manager, praised the duo, saying: “Preston and Jeremy went to incredible lengths to support their communities and we’re thrilled to add their names to the side of an Intercity Express Train.”