The Paul Pry pub: Funds raised after death of Worcester landlord

The fundraising will be used to help finance The Paul Pry pub, which has been described as Mr Pope's legacy

An online fundraising page has collected thousands of pounds to help pay for the funeral of a Worcester pub landlord described as an "amazing personality".

Alex Pope, who ran Pope's Brewing Company, took over The Paul Pry in the city in 2017.

On Sunday, a statement on the venue's Facebook page announced the 39-year-old's "sudden passing".

The fundraising generated £7,485 in 12 hours.

Organisers and friends of Mr Pope, Felicity and Mark Regent, said the money raised would be used primarily to help with funeral costs and to help finance "the ongoing costs of Alex's legacy", The Paul Pry.

Hundreds of people have since paid tribute to Mr Pope on the Facebook post announcing his death.

Mr Pope (right) was described as a "beautiful man" by customers

Many spoke of their shock, with one post saying the death of an "amazing personality" was "such a loss to everyone who knew him".

Another added: "A beautiful man and a beautiful family - my heart goes out to all of you."

Fellow Worcester pub The Plough posted on Facebook: "Worcester hospitality has lost one of the very best! Thinking of you all."

Heartfelt tributes have been left outside The Paul Pry in Worcester

While The Arch Rivals Micro Pub & Brewery added: "Our neighbour and fellow landlord, Alex. You will be sadly missed around the Arches pal."

In Sunday's statement, pub staff said they were "comforted knowing how loved" he was, and how much support they had around them.

"We love you more than words can express and there will forever be a void in our hearts," they added.

The business confirmed it would be closed until further notice.