Derby pub landlord tipped for Freedom of City honour

Steve Kirk has run The Neptune in Osmaston Road for 27 years

A city centre pub landlord who has raised over £120,000 for charity could be awarded the Freedom of Derby.

Steve Kirk, who has run The Neptune for 27 years, has been nominated to be given the city's highest civic honour due to his "exceptional" fundraising efforts.

The motion, called by an independent councillor, will be discussed at a full council meeting on 28 February.

Mr Kirk said he felt "humbled" to have been put forward for the honour.

Previous recipients include former Derby County manager Brian Clough, Olympic gold medallist swimmer Adam Peaty and world boxing champion Sandy Ryan.

Mr Kirk was praised for his "exceptional" fundraising efforts

The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) said the motion was called by independent councillor Philip Ingall and has been offically supported by council leader Baggy Shanker.

Should fellow councillors back the move at the meeting, a further extraordinary council meeting will be held in the future for the nomination honour to be formally determined in a vote.

Mr Ingall, who serves Chellaston and Shelton Lock, said Mr Kirk had raised more than £120,000 for the Royal British Legion to support the national poppy appeal over many years.

The motion said: "Council notes the exceptional charitable fundraising undertaken by Mr Kirk.

"As landlord of The Neptune, he has raised more money for the annual poppy appeal than any other public house in the UK."

Mr Kirk said: "I started by fundraising for the Help For Heroes and it grew and grew from there and more people have got involved.

"The Neptune has become a community pub in the middle of town where everyone wants to get involved. I've created something really good."