Tributes paid to popular Uppingham businessman Robert Wills, who ran The Falcon Hotel, The Vaults pub and Don Paddy's, who has died from a brain tumour

Uppingham businessman Robert Wills, who owned The Falcon Hotel, Don Paddy's and The Vaults pub, died on Wednesday from a brain tumour.

Paying tribute, Ron Simpson said: "If Uppingham were a kingdom surely there is one man who would have deserved recognition as royalty.

"Major employer, property owner, international businessman, leather goods manufacturer, sports club and youth champion, community benefactor, hotelier par excellence, brewer, restaurant patron, company director extraordinaire, honorary Rotarian and loyal friend Robert Hugo Weyl Wills, has died.

"Known to many as Mr Uppingham, his contribution to the history, development and international recognition of Uppingham has been remarkable."

Ron also said that Mr Wills was the founding chairman of the Uppingham First community partnership, of which Ron is a director and secretary of; a "staunch supporter" of the Uppingham Business Forum; and also contributed towards education, youth service and sport.

He also supported the community Uppingham Hopper bus.

Mr Wills, who lived in Stamford, also received a Biz Club Annual Award for his work.

Ron added: "It is the character of the man, not just his business achievements, which earned him his reputation as Rutland’s most amiable patron."

Mr Wills leaves a wife and children.

If you would like to pay tribute, e-mail: smeditor@stamfordmercury.co.uk