A pint of Dark Ruby Mild was placed on the coffin of the late owner of Sedgley's Beacon Hotel at the start of his funeral.

John Hughes died aged 87 on June 1.

He was responsible for the restoration of the pub in Bilston Street, originally owned by his grandmother Sarah Hughes, and the re-opening of the brewery in 1987 which was named Sarah Hughes in her honour.

Mr Hughes started working in the Beacon at the age of 11 and became owner in 1976.

The Rev Diane Cooksey, Vicar of All Saints' Parish Church in Sedgley, conducted the service on July 7 in the church and placed the pint of the award-winning beer in his honour. It was followed by cremation at Stourbridge and a private interment at Gornal Wood Cemetery.

His coffin entered the church to Frank Sinatra's My Way and left with the playing of folk song The Ballad of Sarah Hughes by Man The Lifeboats.

The church service was attended by nearly 100, including brewers and pub regulars, and a wake followed at the Beacon for invited guests.

The service included the Vicar reading Ode to a Gentleman:

"Johnnie Beacon was a lovely man, He came up with a cunning plan. In his wisdom he thought it best To leave the home brew and put up the guest. He made this with his customers in mind, We all agree this was very kind. So let's raise a glass to our genial host, And wish him farewell in this simple toast."

The Vicar said: "He was a man,who in his own unique way, helped to shepherd a flock from behind the bar from a place where people gathered, stories were shared, burdens lightened and friendships formed."

She said he created a space where people felt welcome.

The Beacon Hotel was more than a business. It was a place of community and fellowship with John as its quiet cornerstone," she added.

Donations in memory of Mr Hughes can be made to Parkinson's UK at https://john-hughes-1937-2025.muchloved.com