TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular publican who died after a three-year battle against cancer.

Grandfather of three Simon Smith passed away at the age of 62 last month after being diagnosed with liver cancer in 2015.

Together Mr Smith and wife Dosh ran Wivenhoe's Horse and Groom for just under 30 years, making the couple two of the town's most familiar faces.

Daughter Emily Olney, 33, said: "He absolutely loved running the pub.

"Dad was a proper traditional landlord and he knew his customers usual drinks. He made so many really good friends from doing it over the years.

"He was giving, caring and very stubborn - but he was very determined as well.

"Even when he was poorly he was still doing as much as he could at the pub."

Mr Smith grew up in Lexden but spent the majority of life in Wivenhoe after moving to his new wife's hometown.

Mrs Olney said: "My mum and dad met at Colchester Jazz Club and got married two years later at St Mary's Church in Wivenhoe.

"He was a lorry driver then but he started working in The Swan in Stanway part time and running outside bars for them.

"One day he then thought 'hang on a minute I want to run my own pub'.

She added: "He took over at The Station in Wivenhoe for six years before they moved up to the Horse and Groom because they wanted to start doing food."

Mr Smith was a big part of the town's social scene and set up Wivenhoe's social darts league, which he ran for 20 years.

Ms Olney added: "He was extremely well known around Wivenhoe.

"If someone wanted something he would always try and help them out.

"He was always very proud of his time at the pub, as well as his grandchildren Sophie, eight, Tate, six, and Lois, two."

Mum and daughter team, Mrs Smith and Mrs Olney, will continue to run the Horse and Groom.

Mr Smith's funeral takes place on Friday, December 28, at Colchester Crematorium, in Mersea Road.

All are welcome at the wake which will take place at the Horse and Groom, in The Cross, Wivenhoe.

Donations can also be made to Cancer Research in honour of Mr Smith.

Visit www.funeralzone.co.uk/obituaries/54814.