TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular former hotel owner in Stow-on-the-Wold who has died.

Sandra Elliott, known to many as Sam, died at the age of 76 on December 26 last year.

She owned the Grapevine Hotel in Stow, which is now called The Sheep on Sheep Street, for more than 20 years, and received an OBE for her work with Investors in People UK and the National Training Task Force, where she was on the board.

Her funeral took place on Thursday in Cheltenham.

Sandra has four children, Mark, Ollie, Joe and Paul, and four grandchildren.

Her ex-husband Martin Elliott, said she was a "much loved and wonderful woman".

Paying tribute to Sandra, Megan from Hawkesbury, said: "I shall remember and miss you Sam.

"They broke the mould when you were born, a more caring and giving person you could not find.

"I have only known you since moving to Hawkesbury, but I shall remember and miss you for the rest of my life."

Nicky and Asad Noorani said: "Darling Sam we will miss you so much and will always remember the fun, laughter, generosity, craziness and warmth shared at home and on many holidays."

Tributes to Sandra also flooded in on Facebook.

Cherie-Lynn Gregory said: "Lovely lady, my first job was working for her at the Grapevine." Pammy Edgeworth, said: "Very sad but now at peace thinking of her sons at this time." Sandie Whiteman said: "I started of fin pot wash at the Grapevine, and worked my way to the front of house. Sad news she was a lovely lady."

Ann Moulder said: "I still cant believe it.

"Such a lovely lady and so kind. My thoughts are with her boys." The family are also taking donations for Pets As Therapy, a charity which Sandra volunteered at for many years.

More than £1,400 has been raised for the charity, which aims to enhance health and wellbeing in the community through the visits of dedicated volunteers with their temperament-assessed pets.

To donate, visit sandraelliott.muchloved.com/Fundraising/Donations/607721740