TRIBUTES were last night being paid to Alastair Wilson, former managing director of Newcastle Breweries.

The 64-year-old father-of-three, who was also communications director at Newcastle United football club for a time, died unexpectedly early yesterday morning.

Mr Wilson, born in Stirling, Scotland, joined the Newcastle United board as an executive director in 1998.

He worked with Scottish and Newcastle Breweries from 1967 and, between 1994 and 1998, was managing director of Newcastle Breweries, having close connections with Newcastle United as a sponsor.

Mr Wilson was also a non-executive director of the Ultimate Leisure Group.

Finance director Craig Bell said: "He was a wonderful person and a close friend."

An official statement from Ultimate Leisure said: "Alastair's contribution will be missed by the company and the board offers its sincere condolences to Alastair's family at this time."

Mr Wilson was awarded an OBE in 1998, the same year he spent eight months as communications director with the Magpies. He was hired to improve the club's image after the resignation of directors Freddy Shepherd and Douglas Hall.

Mr Wilson resigned in December 1998 after Mr Shepherd and Mr Hall rejoined the club, but said at the time his actions were not linked to their return.

Last night, Mr Shepherd, now Newcastle United chairman, said: "We are very sorry to hear of Alastair's passing.

"He was a great friend of this club during his time at Newcastle Breweries, and also later when he came to the club. We have great memories of working with him and everyone at the club sends their condolences to his family."