TRIBUTES have been paid to a retired Hampshire publican who ran a popular watering hole for more than 30 years.

Ron Longman, 78, was an award-winning cameraman working for the BBC when he and his wife Margaret decided to open a pub.

They bought two derelict cottages in Hythe Road, Marchwood, and spent thousands of pounds converting them into the Pilgrim Inn.

Margaret ran the business with Ron helping out whenever he could. When Margaret died in 1992, aged just 52, her husband left the world of TV journalism and became a full-time publican.

Over the years he served thousands of locals and holidaymakers, plus a sprinkling of visiting celebrities.

Former Heartbeat star Derek Fowlds stayed at the Pilgrim and madcap comedian Norman Wisdom lived up to his slapstick image by pretending to trip as he walked through the door.

In 2007 Ron sold the business to Fuller’s and retired, partly in response to new rules and regulations that added to his workload.

He was an avid Daily Echo reader and scooped £1,300 in our Find the Ball competition last year – just a week after winning £15 in the same contest.

His sister, Janet Cockings, of Marchwood, said Ron collapsed and died at his Hythe home after complaining of feeling unwell.

Mrs Cockings, who also worked at the Pilgrim for more than 30 years, said: “Ron was very popular not only as a cameraman and a publican but also as a person.”

Ron Vango-Fisher, a member of Marchwood Parish Council, added: “Ron was a real local character who was very well known and very well liked. Up until a few months ago he was talking about taking on another pub. About two years ago he had a look at the Croft in Hythe, which has since become a convenience store.”

Ron, who had no children, leaves four sisters.