A beer shop and micro bar is raising a glass of early Christmas cheer - by offering free hot drinks to the public during the cold winter snap.
Bunbury's, on Chorley Old Road in Bolton, has been hailed on Facebook after its announcement, which is designed to lend a simple helping hand to those who need it as freezing temperatures hit and energy bills soar.
In a social media post, owner Darryl Leech said when the shop is open, anyone is welcome to pop in for a free hot drink, regardless of whether they buy anything or not. "No-one should sit alone and cold this winter," said the post.
Darryl, 50, has owned the shop with his wife, Sarah, for seven years and said they wanted to do their bit to help. Nearby Smithills Open Farm, meanwhile, is also donating the milk to go with the free tea and coffee.
In a Facebook post, the bar wrote: "We've just been listening to the weather report and it's going to get very cold! We are also very aware that some people in our community will simply not be able to put the heating on.
"Therefore, when we are open EVERYONE is welcome to call in for a hot drink on us. You don't have to buy anything and you can stay as long as you want. No-one should sit alone and cold this winter."
"Fantastic offer for the community, well done guys," said one Facebook poster in response. "Love your community spirit," added another, with a third posting: "Very nice gesture."
Darryl said: "We did something similar last year, but we are pushing it a bit more this time.
"My wife has done a bit of work with Homeless Aid UK and we also know that there are people who need a little bit of help.
"As a licensee, it is the obvious thing to do really - to invite people in out of the cold for a brew. We've had one person in already and hopefully, fingers crossed, we get a few more in now.
"We have had a great reaction to it and hopefully, we can spread it so people are aware. There's been a great response so far.
"We do all sorts of little bits here and there in the community and it's nice to be a little community hub. The community is brilliant and they are all really rallying round to help out others."
It's name based on an Oscar Wilde character, Bunbury's is an independent specialist beer shop and bar.
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