Landlord and racing fan Barry Benton dies

A popular licensee and racing enthusiast who famously invited the internationally-renowned show jumper Penwood Forge Mill into his Wolverhampton pub has died.

Barry Benton, aged 64, and his wife Marlene were Banks's longest serving publicans, notching up 43 years with the brewery, including 32 years at The Stag's Head in Penn Common.

Mr Benton was known for his love of race horses, filling the pub in Church Hill with racing memorabilia and owning a quarter share in a race horse - Pennlyne's Pride.

In 1979 he renamed the lounge at The Stags Head in honour of Penwood Forge Mill.

The horse was from Fred Hartill's stables 100 yards down the road and won the King George V Gold Cup and the European championships, becoming a star of the small screen.

Customers were thrilled when Mr Benton invited the horse to officially open the new lounge and sup a pint of beer at the bar. The lounge walls and bar were covered in show jumping rosettes, horse brasses, figurines and photographs.

Mr Benton started his pub career at The Market Tavern in Willenhall, moving on to The Travellers' Rest in Bilston, The Struggling Monkey in Aldridge and The Old Stags Head.

His widow Mrs Benton, aged 61, said: "He was a character who was well known and loved in the industry."

Mr Benton was also a keen hot rod racer, winning races at Hednesford. He had started flying lessons when he was diagnosed with cancer. He died on August 12 after a year-long battle.

He leaves two daughters, Charlotte and Louise. The funeral will take place next Wednesday, August 25, at 1.30pm at St Bartholomew's Church in Penn.