The brother and wife of a Cononley pub landlord have paid tribute to a man who “loved being with people”.

Ian Savoury, who ran the New Inn in the village, died on Thursday at the age of 54.

“He was a wonderful man and loved being with people,” said Jane Savoury, his wife of 24 years. “Ian made everybody feel welcome, whether they were local or from afar.

“He was always one of the lads and liked to laugh,” she said. He loved life, but it was too short. The world will certainly be a quieter place without him.”

Ian grew up in Cononley and went to primary school in the village and later South Craven School.

A joiner by trade, he also ran the Snooty Fox pub in Oakworth for five years.

But his brother Neil Savoury, who runs Cononley’s other pub, The Railway, said Ian’s heart was in Cononley.

“He was born and bred in the village,” said Neil, 52. “It was always his dream to have the New Inn. That was our local.”

Neil, who has been at The Railway since May, said the rivalry between the two pubs was always “friendly”.

“At last year’s Cononley Gala, there was a tug-of-war between the two pubs,” said Neil. “The Railway won and Ian never let me forget that. So at this year’s gala we’re going to do another one in memory of Ian.”

More than 200 people attended Ian’s funeral, which was held on Monday at Cononley United Church.

“I didn’t realise he had so many friends,” said Jane. “The family would like to thank everyone for their support.”