A COMMUNITY has reacted with shock and sadness after a landlord was found dead in his pub yesterday morning.

Emergency crews were called to the Wheatsheaf Hotel in Mill Lane, Sutton Leach on Monday, September 19, where they found the body of a man in his 50s.

He has been named locally as Philip Banks, the pub's long serving landlord.

His death is not being treated as suspicious and a file is being prepared for the coroner.

Last night Star readers paid tribute to Phil, who had run the historic pub for more than two decades with his wife Jane.

David France wrote on Facebook: "Me and Phil go back a long time. He was one of the best and legend of a landlord in St Helens.

"My thoughts are with Jane and her family in this sad time."

Danielle Naylor wrote: "Wheatsheaf will not be the same without this wonderful man."

Bev Pickeringshaw wrote: "Sending sincere condolences to the family and friends of this wonderful guy.

"The Wheatsheaf is my go to place every time I visit home.

"I have never had anything but a warm welcome and they have never forgotten me and my family.

"We have marked some pretty special occasions with you. Sending love at this terribly sad time."

On the Star's website Joey wrote: "A very sad day, losing a great friend always is. You helped so many. Today was my 9;19. We will never forget R.I.P banksey."

A police spokesman said: "At around 5.25am, the ambulance service reported that they had found a man in his 50s at the Wheatsheaf Hotel in Mill Lane.

"He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

"The death is not being treated as suspicious and next of kin have been informed.

"Forensic enquiries are ongoing and a file will be prepared for the coroner."

Speaking to the Star a year ago, Phil had said it was an "honour" after his pub was chosen to become a listed building.

It was granted the status by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

The grade II listing followed an inspection by Historic England of the premises and is part of an effort to recognise some of the best pubs built in the country during the interwar years between 1918 and 1939.