A FORMER landlord of a South Lakeland pub has been fondly remembered by friends, family and former punters.

Geoff Metcalfe, who ran the Castle Inn in Kendal for 18 years with his partner Christine Broadley, passed away peacefully at his home in the town after a long illness, aged 65.

In more than 100 tributes posted online, Mr Metcalfe has been described as an 'amazing man', 'a top, top bloke' and 'a great landlord.'

“He was very loving and kind, a real family man," said Ms Broadley. "He enjoyed running the pub and got on well with all the customers. He would take part in the pub darts team when they were a man short. We had many happy years together.”

When the couple first met, Ms Broadley was working at the Castle Inn under its previous owners, Des and Barbara Airey.

Ms Broadley said: “Geoff’s brother gave him my number, and that was it. We were together for 29 years.”

In 1998, the couple were offered an opportunity to buy the lease for the Castle Inn, running the the edge of town hostelry until September 2016.

“The Castle Inn was a huge part of our lives," she said. "It’s not right in the middle of the town, so it’s a real community pub. We had a lovely clientele, and we made many friends over the years. I do miss it.

“I did all the cooking and Geoff looked after the beer. Everybody loved him at the pub. I never heard anyone say a bad word about him. He was a very loving man.”

Geoff Metcalfe was born on July 5, 1951, in Kirkby Stephen, to his parents Harold and Jenny.

In 1958, the family moved to Croup Farm at Wharton, near Kirkby Stephen, where his brother Malcolm still farms.

Mr Metcalfe had two children, Catherine and David, and was a ‘loving’ stepfather to Christine’s two sons, Adam and Wayne, as well as a ‘doting granddad’ to Lauren and Jago.

“I have a house full of flowers, and over 150 cards," said Ms Broadley. "All the cards, flowers and messages I have received show how popular a man he was, and how everybody loved him.

“He will leave a big hole in our lives. He will be missed so much.”