A GENEROUS landlord will be treating hero shop workers to a night out to say thank you for helping us through the pandemic.

Employees at the Rochford branch of Sainsbury’s have been run off their feet with customers during the coronavirus crisis and now have to deal with new facemask rules.

Now Allen Anderson, the landlord of the Marlborough Head in Rochford has arranged for the workers to enjoy a drink at a function held at the West Street-based pub on August 20.

The 60-year-old said: “I wanted to arrange a night for the Sainsbury’s workers because they have been serving the customers throughout the pandemic and haven’t necessarily got the credit they deserve.

“People have been arguing because of the new rules within supermarkets, but the workers have dealt with it and kept the shops open.

“Although no one likes it, we have got to follow the rules put in place and the Sainsbury’s workers have been a credit to the community.

“It will be great to welcome the workers to The Marlborough Head and they can all enjoy a night out.”

The landlord will put his own money behind the bar for the private function, which will go ahead after the store’s closing time of 8pm.

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But Mr Anderson, who took over at the Marlborough Head last year, hopes the public will show their appreciation for key workers by making donations as they walk past the pub.

He added: “I am donating a chunk of money towards the event and I have already got £80 of donations from the public.

“The function could cost us £600 and I want to raise £400.

“The Sainsbury’s workers will be able to bring their families for a drink and I may invite other workers nearby.

“They have worked tirelessly throughout what has been a truly testing period and it is time for us to give something back to them.”

If some of the donations are not used on the night, they will still go towards a good cause.

He said: “If all of the money donated behind the bar is not used, I will donate the remainder to charity.

“I am a nice bloke and try to do what I can for people.

“I’m one of those people that sees it as not being about the business – it’s about the people.”

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