MEMBERS of the licensing trade will join friends and relatives of a publican at his funeral service today.

Keith Embleton, licensee at the Duke of Wellington, at Merryoaks, near Durham City, died last Saturday after a seven-week fight against cancer. He was 58.

Mr Embleton and his wife, Martha, ran the pub and restaurant after returning to the North-East after running pubs in Chesterfield and Blackpool.

They were previously well-known as publicans at the Red Lion, in Chester-le-Street.

Mr Embleton, who served in the Royal Navy before working as a shipyard engineer, started in the licensing trade at the White Lion, in Houghton-le-Spring, Wearside.

Anne Windsor, who worked with the Embletons at the Red Lion, said: "He had the attitude that he wanted his customers to leave with a smile on their faces, and he always made a point of saying goodnight."

Mr Embleton was a keen supporter of charity events, particularly on the golf course.

He leaves a son, David, who runs the Hollymere pub in Sunderland, daughter Mandy, son-in-law Malcolm, and grandsons Michael and Mark.

The funeral service will take place at Chester-le-Street Parish Church, at 1.30pm, followed by cremation at Durham.