TRIBUTES have been paid to the 'true gentleman' and Hayton pub owner Johnny Tranter.

Johnny, who was best known locally as the owner of The Stone Inn, Hayton, and the former owner of popular wedding destination Langley Hall in Warwick Bridge, sadly passed away on Saturday, November 23.

Johnny is survived by his wife of 37 years, Susan, six children, 11 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren who have all been 'overwhelmed' by the outpouring of sympathy following his passing.

Jonathan Tranter, Johnny's son, speaking on behalf of the Tranter family, said: "His wife Susan and his family have been overwhelmed by the hundreds of cards and condolences they have received showing just how many people’s lives he touched.

"This means so much and shows how much he was thought about, with most of the cards signing off with ‘a true gentleman’.

"He was well respected in the local area and had lots of friends. He was central to village life in Hayton and will be sorely missed."

Jonathan also recounted his father's life and described the former local business owner as the ultimate 'mine host' thanks to his decades in hospitality and events. 

He said: "Johnny was the ultimate 'mine host' and began serving the public at the age of 20 where he would help his grandparents who owned the Haywain Inn at Little Corby.

"The family then bought Langley Hall which at the time was a residential property and turned it into a bar and restaurant.

"He then left his job as a car salesman to concentrate on Langley Hall which went on to become one of the best-known wedding venues in the area, employing lots of local people.

"There were weddings nearly every Saturday at Langley Hall, and so many people reminisce about their wedding day years later.

"Johnny had many interests and had a wide and varied circle of friends. He met many people through Langley Hall, then the Stone Inn in Hayton which he took over in the early '80s.

"Alongside running the Stone Inn he also ran Border Wine Merchants and he was an ambassador for Pussers Rum, supplying it to the Royal Navy. This led to him being involved with issuing the tots to sailors, he even met Princess Diana and Prince Charles on one occasion.

"He had a full and interesting life with no regrets. He liked nothing better than having food and wine in the company of friends."