A PUB landlord who lends a listening ear to those in need each Thursday evening says he will continue the service via digital methods during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Mark Hayes, landlord at The Gerard Arms in Dentons Green, launched No One Alone in February.

Each Monday evening Mark sits at table 12 in the Dentons Green Lane pub to offer a friendly ear for anyone who needs.

With pubs closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Mark says he will still offer an open ear via other methods.

On the Gerard Arms Facebook page last Monday, he said: "Very conscious that at this very moment I should be sat at Table 12 as an open ear and a friend to any who needs.

"Unfortunately the world that we live in has taken that away for now, but it's not to say Table 12 is not available.

"Every Monday I will guarantee to be covering the inbox on this page from 6.30pm till 8pm. I will also be looking up other ways to link, whether that be WhatsApp or a Google hangout."

He added: "I met some wonderful, wonderful people over the last few weeks on Table 12, all whom had their own stories, but all whom began to believe in themselves again.

"As much as we all will feel isolated at present it is important to remember that you are never alone."

See the Gerard Arms Facebook page.