THERE will be room at the inn for homeless people and emergency services personnel this Christmas, thanks to kind-hearted pub staff.

The Black Horse, in Kearsley, is offering a free hot soup and roll to rough sleepers, those struggling to afford food and 999 workers.

They will also get a hot drink at the hostelry in Higher Market Street.

Ryan Houghton, manager at the pub, said the community initiative, which is set to run until the end of January, was inspired by his own children.

He said: “My children’s school, St Peter’s Farnworth CE Primary, does a lot with Farnworth Food Bank and I just decided we also wanted to something for them.”

He was also keen not to overlook the work of police, fire and ambulance personnel over this time of the year.

He added: “I know a lot of ambulance crews and I know that when they’re on duty during the winter it gets really cold. It’s just something to help them out.

“A lot of people don’t realise exactly what the crews go through, as well as the homeless people.

“I know it doesn’t seem much but it’s something to give back.”

And the father-of-two says that those who have stopped by for hot drink and food have been grateful for the seasonal sustenance.

He is hoping more will take advantage of the pub’s scheme as those in need are being directed to the pub by in the borough.

He said: “It’s just getting the word out more than anything.

“We’ve spoken to Farnworth Food Bank and a couple of charities locally to say if anyone comes in, send them to us.”

The 41-year-old pub boss, who lives in Kearsley, says his staff have enthusiastically backed the initiative - and it has been welcomed by customers too.

He said: “They seem to think it’s a good idea. The pub is a community hub so everyone knows each other and the staff are all willing to help with that kind of stuff.”

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