'Remarkable' pub landlord gets freedom of city honour

Steve Kirk has run The Neptune for nearly 30 years

A "remarkable" pub landlord who has raised more than £120,000 for charity has been given the Freedom of Derby.

Steve Kirk, who runs The Neptune in Osmaston Road, has spent 15 years raising funds for charitable causes.

On Monday, he made the short trip across the city centre to a reception in his honour at Derby City Council.

Mr Kirk said receiving the city's highest civic honour was still "sinking in".

Mr Kirk, who has run the pub for 27 years, joins previous recipients such as former Derby County football manager Brian Clough, Olympic swimmer Adam Peaty and world boxing champion Sandy Ryan.

During his time as landlord, Mr Kirk has raised more money for the Royal British Legion's poppy appeal than any other pub in the UK, the city council said.

Councillors also recognised his work opening the pub on Christmas Day by serving hot meals to people in need.

A civic reception was held to recognise Mr Kirk's efforts

Reacting to the honour, Mr Kirk said: "I thought it was an April Fools' thing - Joe Bloggs doesn't get that sort of thing, it's normally celebrities or sports people.

"It's still sinking in now. It's just a massive honour and recognition of what we do.

"It's simple really, I just enjoy it. I've always been patriotic so that's what started it off with the poppy appeal, and it's grown into a big part of my life.

"We're working at it every day to raise money with different projects. I enjoy it, it gives you an incentive, something different to do, it's good to see people happy and it's a challenge."

Addressing Mr Kirk, Derby mayor - councillor Ged Potter - said: "As landlord of The Neptune public house, you have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to charitable fundraising, particularly to the Royal British Legion's annual poppy appeal, and also brought our community together in a shared spirit of generosity.

"Thank you, Mr Kirk, for your outstanding service and being a beacon of hope and compassion."

Follow BBC Derby on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail] or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.