TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular Southampton landlord who has died following a stroke aged 74.

Peter Smith spent more than 35 years in the licensing trade first running the Engineer's Arms in Northam before moving a short distance to the Prince of Wales.

Liz, Peter's wife of 49 years, said: "I still can't believe it has happened. I'm still in shock. I keep expecting him to walk in through the pub doors. We are all going to miss him."

Born in Ireland in 1933, he moved to Southampton in his early 20s where he started out in the building trade, helping to build much of the Esso oil plant in Fawley.

He set up his own painting business at Marchwood, becoming a well-known name in the community.

In 1972, Peter and Liz took on the Engineer's Arms in Northam Road, which they ran for 13 years before taking on the Prince of Wales.

Peter, who had two sons and six grandchildren, went on to chair the Southampton Licensed Victuallers' Association on and off for ten years.

His funeral will take place at St Joseph's Church in Bugle Street, Southampton, at 12.15pm next Thursday, which will be followed by a wake at the Prince of Wales.