Landlord at the Danish Invader in Empingham Road is the third Stamford Mercury Citizen of the Week

A landlord who ‘brings hope to the community’ is our third Citizen of the Week.

Chris Needham, landlord at the Danish Invader in Empingham Road, Stamford, is known by many people in the town, not only for pulling a great pint but also for being a community hero.

During his 19 years as landlord, Chris has turned the Danish Invader into a ‘family community hub’ by making everyone feel welcome, as well as holding charity events all year round.

Despite coronavirus lockdown meaning he had to shut the pub doors, he has not stopped going the extra mile to bring some cheer to the community.

The father-of-five received six nominations for our Citizen of the Week award - which is sponsored by Peterborough Regional College - from friends and family admiring his community spirit both in and out of lockdown.

On Easter Sunday he stepped out onto the streets of Stamford in a bunny outfit to deliver 600 chocolate eggs to children around the town.

Katie Youngs, who nominated him for the award, said: “He always goes the extra mile to see others smile.

“He reminds people what community spirit is about.

“I believe Chris deserves Citizen of the Week because he made Easter Sunday one to remember for many families, children, streets and roads this year.

“He is community, he restores community, he brings hope to the community.

“There really is only one Chris Needham - what a bloke!”

Chris has also been running a Sunday dinner delivery service for people in Stamford and the surrounding villages.

During one day the pub delivered 380 roast dinners all at discounted prices.

He said: “It’s strange, we are doing more Sunday dinners now we are shut then we did when we were open.”

Chris and his staff are also keeping in regular contact with their customers via text and video call.

“People normally come here and share their problems.

“We are calling them to make sure they are alright.

“Because it is a community pub we don’t want people to forget we are still here for them,” he said.

To honour NHS staff, Chris is lighting up the Danish Invader blue on Thursdays in recognition of their hard work.

He is also planning a big event to raise money for the NHS and other organisations who ‘have gone above and beyond’ during the coronavirus crisis when pubs are able to re-open.

Chris was ‘overwhelmed’ by the nominations he received but said that he knows the pub ‘always gets a lot of support’ and he is thankful for all of his customers.

He said: “When it’s Christmas, with presents, I like to buy them and see other people enjoy it.

“I get my kicks from seeing other people enjoy themselves.”

Norma Needham is a very proud mum of Chris and has seen his hardwork first hand.

In her nomination, she said: “The normal routine for Chris is to work tirelessly for the family and customers, however in these uncertain times he has stepped up to make sure he serves the community even more.”

Chris was also nominated by his wife Kelly and son Ellis.

Ellis said: “It makes me so proud of him.

“I’d like to follow in his footsteps and have my own pub or business one day and help the community.”

Jo Sewell, who has known Chris since before he owned the pub, said: “He’s always trying to go above and beyond then just being a landlord.”

“This time has brought out the good of people but he was doing that even before lockdown.

“He’s always doing something for members of the community.”

And Steve Earl in his nomination said Chris had a “true community mindset”.

As our citizen of the week winner, Chris will receive a £25 gift voucher.

Click here to nominate your Citizen of the Week