A PUB which a popular landlord put his heart and soul into before his death was heaving when it reopened.

Well-wishers, family and friends of Alex Pope flocked to the Paul Pry when it reopened on Sunday, (January 21), after closing following his death on January 13.

Mr Pope died at the age of 39 and in the week since the announcement hundreds of tributes have poured in for him. 

After reopening at 3pm regulars came in to watering hole to share their memories of the popular landlord.

Amy Howell said: "We weren't expecting so many people all at once.

Worcester News: BUSY: People flocked to the Paul Pry pub, WorcesterBUSY: People flocked to the Paul Pry pub, Worcester (Image: Sam Greenway/Newsquest)

"As soon as we opened, people were queuing to get in. It shows how popular he was."

Felicity Regent, the family friend who set up a fundraiser in memory of Alex, said: "It has reached over £15,000 now.

"It will be left open to February 1  - it is staying open to give people the opportunity to donate.

"People have been saying they wanted to give some money when it is pay day so this will give them the chance to do that. 

"It will be mostly for funeral costs now that the pub is reopening."

Worcester News: FLOWERS: The flowers left outside the pub for Alex PopeFLOWERS: The flowers left outside the pub for Alex Pope (Image: Sam Greenway/Newsquest)

Flowers have been left outside the pub next to the pub's board which features the message: "The Paul Pry In Memory of Alex."

Inside on the bar was another message which read "In Memory of our Chef aka Popey."

Worcester News: MEMORIES: Alex PopeMEMORIES: Alex Pope (Image: Sam Greenway/Newsquest)

The central table of the front bar room had a picture of the landlord with a candle and drink for him, while a book of condolence has been left for people to leave their tributes.

The pub has announced that moving forward opening hours will change to 3pm on Wednesday through to Sunday - but will not be doing food such as Sunday roasts as they used to.

Worcester News: MESSAGE: The message on the bar of the Paul Pry pubMESSAGE: The message on the bar of the Paul Pry pub (Image: Sam Greenway/Newsquest)

When the news was first announced the family said in a statement: "It is with immense sadness and pain that we must announce the sudden passing of our son, brother, partner, friend and landlord, Alex James Pope.

"We are beyond devastated and broken, but we are comforted knowing how loved he is and how much support we have around us.

"We love you more than words can express and there will forever be a void in our hearts.’’

The link to the fundraising page can be found at https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-fond-memory-of-alex-james-pope.