THE owner of a pub in Rhyl has spent more than £1,000 on new tents and sleeping bags for the town’s homeless residents, as well as donating a similar amount to its Royal National Lifeboat Institution Branch (RNLI).

Shaun Ketley, who took over The Cob and Pen in February 2023, matched the £1,100 raised by the pub itself in the last year.

He passed on the 20 sleeping bags and 15 tents which he bought to committed fundraiser Richard Kendrick, who does much to support the homeless in Rhyl.

A £1,100 donation was also presented to Rhyl RNLI last week.

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Shaun said: “I bought the tents and sleeping bags for Richard because of the work that he does; I think he does a good job helping veterans and the homeless in Rhyl.

“We see a lot of homeless people around; some underneath the tunnels and by the train station.

“When I first took over the pub last year, we constantly had people nearby in tents, so it’s nice to try and help a little bit.

“Some have been virtually outside our front door, to be honest, which isn’t nice to see.”

“This pub has always supported the RNLI – (previous owners) Noel and Amanda always supported and donated to them.

“I’ve given to charities for more than 15 years, and in all the pubs that I’ve had, whatever money the pub raises, I always match it.”

Richard also added his gratitude to Shaun for his donation of tents and sleeping bags, saying a “huge thanks” to him.

He said: “We couldn't do the work we do without the help of local businesses, so it’s great getting support from the Cob and Pen again.

“We are lucky to have great companies who come to our aid when needed.

“We have now given out 25 tents since the turn of the year in Conwy and Denbighshire.”