Bognor Regis businesses pay it forward, offering free soup to those in need over January

Dog and Duck owner Jamie Boyle said the offer is open to ‘absolutely everyone and anyone’ and hopes to offer residents a modicum of comfort as costs continue to rise and temperatures drop.

"I just love this idea that we can help people,” he explained.

“If people are lonely and they want to come in here for half an hour just to sit somewhere warm, where they feel welcome, I want to give them that chance to interact with people – which is really what we’re all about.

"It feels so nice to give something back to the community, because our customers supported us so much over lockdown by ordering takeaways and getting deliveries. So it’s nice we can give something back, or try to.

“Some of our regulars have actually booked time off work to help me do it, which I really appreciate.”

Although the Dog and Duck usually doesn’t open until 4pm, Mr Boyle and his volunteers will be giving up some of his free time to open from 12-2pm every Tuesday and Thursday in January.

He was inspired by a similar initiative launched by staff at The Brooksteed in Worthing, which offered free soup to members of the public all throughout December.

With well over 300 likes on Facebook for the announcement post, Mr Boyle’s plan is en route to similar success.

He will be joined by the team at Suga’ Kane on York Road, which will be offering free soup from 12pm-2pm every Wednesday and Friday.

Angelina’s Bar and Eatery will also offer free hot drinks every Tuesday and Thursday from the second week of January.

“It’s something I do anyway, and then when Jamie put it on Facebook I thought we should team up so we can cover more days of the week,” added Karen Hope, from Suga Kane.

"It’s about paying it forward.

"There’s no agenda to it, it’s not about trying to attract new customers, it’s just about putting something back into our community.”

To find out more about The Dog and Duck or Suga’ Kane, like and follow them on Facebook or Instagram.