TRIBUTES have been paid to popular former Wrexham pub landlord Lee Pope who has passed away.

Lee, who ran the Four Dogs in Garden Village until last year, died, aged 58, last month.

He was in the forefront of the Pubwatch scheme during his five-year tenancy at the The Four Dogs serving as the Wrexham area chairman of Night Safe.

After taking over the hostelry in 2012, he was credited for boosting its image by promoting events such as Wrexham Scooter Club's summer ride-out.

Frank Marnell, Pubwatch's regional representative, recalled: "Lee was a great supporter of the Pubwatch scheme and was involved in Night Safe, which was what the project is called in Wrexham.

"We tackle crime and violence after hours and try to enforce evictions of drinkers who are disrespectful to staff.

"I met Lee in Caergwrle ten years ago and he was always supportive to our cause - this is really sad news."

Mr Marnell says tenant landlords are under increasing pressure from the workload expected of them by the bigger chains which can have a negative impact on their health.

"The pressure is huge and 30 pubs close up and down the country every week," he added. "The Licensed Trade Charity has a counselling programme, called "Time to Open Up" which can be rung on 08088010500."

At the time he handed the tenancy of the Punch Taverns pub over to Sharron Fallows, from Stoke-on-Trent, last year, Lee told the Leader: "It [The Four Dogs] had been closed for some time which is why I asked if I could take it on. I would like to think I did a bit to clean the place up. We tried to establish a friendly atmosphere and I think we did that.

"I have had a number of offers from companies about other pubs, but in five-and-a-half years I have had two days off so I am going to have a bit of a breather as well.”

Wrexham Rugby Club paid tribute to its former committee member with a Facebook post which said: "We have some sad news to report Lee Pope ex-Committee member and long time supporter of Wrexham rugby club has sadly passed away aged 58. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him."