TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular former Burnley pub landlord who died in his sleep at the age of 91.

Family man Ernest Hutchinson, who lived in the Rosegrove area of Burnley, ran pubs in town for over 40 years.

Ernest was best known for being the landlord of the New Albion Hotel for over a decade and the Mitre Hotel for over 30 years.

He also ran the Woodman Inn in Todmorden Road, and the Grey Mare Inn in Gannow Lane and was chosen to be president of Burnley and District Liscensed Victuallers Association (LVA).

Tina McLaughlin, Landlady of The White Hart Inn, Church Street, Burnley, and a member of the LVA said: "He was a lovely man.

"A real little gentleman and one of the last of the old school landlords.

"He was a real comic and was well loved by everyone."

Ernest was born in Burnley in Napier street in 1916 and only left the area when he was a solder in the Royal Artillery during the Second World War when he was sent all over the world, spending time in Africa and Dunkirk.

He was well known for running a pigeon racing club from the Mitre Hotel for over 20 years and for helping to set up and run Brunokwai, Burnley Judo Club in 1954.

His son, John Hutchinson, said: "My father was a well liked and well respected man in the area.

"Every time we went into Burnley someone would come up to him and stop him for a chat.

"He was very caring and will be missed by his friends and family."

Ernest leaves his children Lorraine and John, and grandchildren Helen, Natalie, Robert, Andrew, Declan and Maiti.

He died on Saturday morning.