Hilary Timms, the landlady of the popular King's Arms Hotel in Malmesbury High Street, died this morning from a suspected heart attack.

She ran the pub, which is closed today, with partner Keith Johnson.

Mrs Timms, originally from Liverpool, was a keen follower of Everton football club.

Carol,Hudson, landlady of the Rose and Crown, said Ms Timms would be sadly missed.

She said: “I think we are all in shock, she was the longest serving licensee in the town, she’d been here over 20 years.”

“We had our annual meeting of Pub Watch on Wednesday and she was fine then.

“It really brings it home to you when it happens that quickly. It’s hard to believe.”

She added: “Hilary had made this area her home. Before the Kings Arms she ran the Rose and Crown in Lea.

“It’s never a good time to lose someone but it’s awful timing with Christmas coming up.”

“I’m sure the pub community will rally round and support Keith. It’s a small community and everybody knows each other.”

In April was left with a broken nose and two black eyes by another woman after she tried to quieten a troublesome gang. The attack took place in the pub's car park.