A PUB Landlord, who was awarded a BEM for raising £52,000 by hosting charity quizzes last year, has smashed his latest fundraising goal.

Richard Curtis set out to spend February raising funds for Basingstoke and District Young Carers (BDYC) - an organisation which supports young people in the area with caring responsibilities.

Richard, who is general manager at The Portsmouth Arms in Hatch Warren has been hosting quizzes throughout February to raise the money, as well as walking 10km every day - in fancy dress!

These efforts have led to a pot of more than £1,600 for the charity, but the endeavours don’t end there.

Joined by Ed Ives-Wara, chief executive of BDYC, the 31-year-old yesterday hosted a 10 hour live stream, featuring multiple quizzes and a bumper raffle.

The raffle alone raised more than £2000, with an aim of £150, and saw people winning a huge array of prizes - many donated by local people and businesses.

Speaking to the Gazette at the start of the month, Richard said: “We at the Portsmouth Arms wanted to continue our work within this amazing community. A pub is not just a place that serves food and drink, it is to be a part of its community. A

“To read that a young carer is from the ages 8-18 was remarkable, to think of some of the things that they do. I wanted a challenge that would really push myself and support a really worthy charity.”

Bringing the month of fundraising to a close with a final push, Richard and Ed will this afternoon be doing a socially-distanced final walk - dressed as princesses!

The pair are due to leave from The Portsmouth Arms around 3.30pm.

To donate to the cause in aid of BDYC, visit: www.facebook.com/donate/442895466757216