TRIBUTES have been made to a businessman who died following a short illness last week.

Herbert Bowen passed away surrounded by his close family after suffering heart failure at Bishop Auckland Hospital. He was 71.

Last night his family spoke of a colourful character who was well liked, especially by regulars at The Bay Horse pub in Woodhouses, near Bishop Auckland, which he ran with wife Jean for 18 years.

Daughter Denise, 37, who now runs the pub with husband Mark, said the family had been indundated with cards and good wishes since her father's death.

She said: "He was very well liked. He doted on his grandchildren Hannah, Jessica, Lauren and Freya and they loved him."

Wife Jean said: "He didn't care what anyone thought.

"He spoke his mind and if he upset anyone then that was it.

"He had a unique sense of humour. We were married for 38 years and we did everything together."

Mr Bowen was a plasterer by trade and a member of the Master Builders for several years, once serving as president.

He and Mrs Bowen had Tindale newsagents, in Tindale Crescent, for five years before taking over Cockton Hill Post Office, in Bishop Auckland.

After the post office they bought The Bay Horse, affectionately known as Herbie's Wine Bar.

The pub was often at the centre of many big fundraising events for charity and Mrs Bowen said her husband always liked to support anything in the community.

She said: "He was always raising money for something."

The couple retired in November and shortly after that Mr Bowen took ill.

Son Christopher said: "I don't even think he would care how he would be remembered whether it was as landlord, businessman or a family man he would just want people to remember him."

Friends are asked to meet at St Paul's Church, Witton Park at 12.30pm today, for a service followed by interment in Witton Park Cemetery.

Flowers may be sent or, if preferred, donations for charity can be left care of The Bay Horse.