A COMMUNITY-spirited pub boss has launched a new food and clothing bank to help those in need.

Anthony Theophanous, known as ‘Fat Theo’, is on a mission to create a "strong community hub" at Sidemoor’s Duke of York pub.

Keen to remove the stigma around food poverty, people are welcome to simply ‘drop in’ to collect a food bag on Mondays, Wednesdays and Friday, between 8am and 12pm.

No referral is necessary and Theo stresses there will be "no questions asked".

He said: “I want to bring local people together to build a stronger community in Sidemoor.

"While the pub provides a platform for this, it is the people who are volunteering and those making donations which brings the project to life.

"I am amazed by the support I’ve received so far.”

Bromsgrove Advertiser: Anthony Theophanous, known as ‘Fat Theo.’Anthony Theophanous, known as ‘Fat Theo.’ (Image: The Duke of York)

Alongside the food bank Theo has also launched a clothes bank which includes school uniform as well as general adult and children’s clothing. Toiletries, nappies and toys are also available.

The initiative is part of Theo’s Sidemoor Community Project which he has established to keep the not-for-profit venture separate to the more commercial side of the pub.

Under this umbrella project he is also running a series of community-focused morning events which kicked off in October with the Knit and Knatter group.

The pub philanthropic approach follows a life-changing brain haemorrhage which he suffered in 2016.

During rehabilitation, his outlook on life changed and is passionate about making a difference for those who are struggling – whatever that personal struggle may be.

Those who would like to donate to the food or clothes bank are asked to email anthonytheophanous137@gmail.com.

For more information about free community events at the Duke of York pub visit Facebook @SidemoorCommunityProject.