A FORMER pub landlord who set up an online charity pub quiz which raised hundreds of thousands of pounds has been recognised by the Primer Minister.

Darwen man Jay Flynn set ‘The Virtual Pub Quiz’ as a way to lift the spirits of residents near his local pub expecting 30 or 40 participants.

However, after a Facebook post publishing it went viral, the quiz attracted hundreds of thousands of people and earned the Guinness World Record for most viewers of a quiz YouTube live stream..

He has now raised over £160,000 for NHS Charities Together and over £150,000 for Alzheimer’s Research UK - causing Prime Minister Boris Johnson to reach out and award him with a special accolade: the Points of Light award.

The Prime Minister said: "On behalf of the whole country and thousands of your participants stretching right across the globe, thank you for lifting our spirits at this time."

Reacting to the Prime Minister’s announcement, Jay said: "Something that started as a local quiz for local people in these strange times has received so much support and I am honoured to receive this award."

The Prime Minister’s UK daily Points of Light award was first launched in April 2014 to recognise outstanding individuals making a difference where they live.

Jay is the 1372nd person to be recognised.

As Britain unites to fight the spread of coronavirus, the award is focusing exclusively on people serving their community through the pandemic.

Speaking previously, Mr Flynn said: "My wife works for the NHS and is still working, and what they’re all doing at the moment is fantastic.”

Mr Flynn, who used to manage The Crown pub on Redearth Road, said he’ll continue with the quiz as long as people want.