IT HAS been 'Happy Hour' at one St Helens boozer all day today as free drinks have been given to punters thanks to singer Paul Heaton.
To celebrate his 60th birthday today, May 9, the Housemartins and Beautiful South singer put money behind 60 pubs – including the Bird I'th Hand on Prescot Road.
Paul put money behind the bar until the money runs out or the bar goes dry.
Other pubs Paul included are in Manchester, Warrington, Liverpool and across the country.
Paul's co-singer is St Helens' own Jacqui Abbott, and the Beautiful South pair will play a concert at Saints' stadium on Friday July 22 this year.
Manager at the Bird I'th Hand Charlotte Webb said Paul's geneority had gone down a treat with grateful regulars at the pub today.
"Obviously on a Monday it's usually quiet, so it has been really good today," said Charlotte, who took over as manager at the Bird seven months ago.
"It's been really positive and it is nice for us."
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The pub, known for its music nights each Saturday, has been playing Paul Heaton songs all day to mark the occasion. Also birthday balloons have been put up in the pub and 'Happy Birthday Paul' has been written on a sign behind the bar.
Charlotte is hoping to bring the pub back to the fore of the community and restore the Bird to its former glories.
"It is a community pub and it is nice to build the pub back up and have the locals come back and enjoy the atmosphere," she added.
"We appreciate what Paul has done very much.
"We're building the pub back up, and thanks to my partner Andy for the support and all of our good bar staff."
Charlotte said: "We'd just like to thank Paul Heaton so much for doing this for us.
"Hopefully he'll pop in for a free drink at some time!"
Customer Brian Sephton added: "The regulars really appreciate it, it is an amazing thing that Paul has done."
On Paul’s Facebook page, a message read: “To celebrate my 60th birthday, I’d originally intended to do another bicycle tour, visiting and performing at 60 pubs across the UK and Ireland.
“However, due to recording delays caused by the pandemic, I’ve had to shelve these plans for the time being. Instead, I’ve decided that the next best way to celebrate this coming of age is to handpick 60 pubs across the UK and Ireland and put a given amount of money behind the bar of each one.
“Then, both regulars and yourselves can enjoy a birthday drink on me (until the money runs out, or the bar runs dry!)."
"The hope is to bring people together on the day, whilst recognising that many folk who bought my records or showed me support over the years, could do with a wee party, as we come out of Covid and hit potential financial struggles.
“Please head over on Monday, show your support and raise a toast to me on my birthday.”
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