TRIBUTES have been paid to the landlord of the Rose and Lion pub, after his death from cancer aged just 43.

Steve Gibbs' funeral was held St Peter's Church yesterday (Thursday).

His wife, Pippa, said: "He was very brave. He wasn't the type to talk much about it. He just got on with things and was determined to do what he'd always done - enjoy life."

The couple had been together for eight years and married last year on his birthday, May 4. Mr Gibbs had been told he was terminally-ill on his birthday the previous year.

In the last 18 months the couple travelled a great deal, enjoying holidays in Las Vegas, Paris and Italy.

Mrs Gibbs said her husband would be missed by many people, not just family and friends.

"He was one of those easy-going, unassuming, friendly people that everyone likes," she said.

Tim Palmer, a friend for more than 20 years and best man at his wedding, said they had played football for Bromyard Town on Saturday mornings and for Bringsty on Sundays for many years.

Mr Gibbs was also a keen Manchester United and Hereford Utd supporter and loved horse-racing.

"He was in the bookies the Saturday before he died. He wasn't the type just to give up and give in," said Mr Palmer.

Mr Gibbs was born and grew up in Bromyard and worked at Holden Hydroman engineering factory for many years. He then took a job with the Wye Valley Brewery before taking over at the Rose and Lion.

Another friend, Kevin Bolton, described Mr Gibbs as someone who loved life and lived it to the full.

In the five years Mr Gibbs and his wife ran the pub, its regulars raised thousands of pounds for local charities.

Instead of flowers for the funeral, people were asked to make donations to St Michael's Hospice and the Charles Kenton Unit at Hereford Hospital.