Customers and staff are mourning the loss of the much-loved manager of an award-winning craft beer pub in Sandbach.

Liam Bridle, (pictured above and below) who managed The Beer Emporium in Welles Street, has died following a viral infection.

Mr Bridle, who lived in Middlewich, was a popular with both customers and staff, sadly died in hospital at the weekend.

The Beer Emporium has made it into the he coveted CAMRA Good Beer Guide several times, as revealed here and is known for its array of beers and drinks.

Both staff and customers are shocked about the news and say Liam was "a truly wonderful person who will be missed by all".

Messages of condolences have been pouring and customers have been pinning ribbons and messages to the gate of the town centre premises.

Many customers have also dropped off bunches of flowers and messages to The Beer Emporium.

Staff member, Della Hyde, said: "We still can't believe he's gone. He was such a wonderful, kind, funny person.

"He worked as a wine specialist at Waitrose before The Beer Emporium opened and was well-known to so many people.

 "It's such a shock. He really battled and fought very hard at the end. We will miss him terribly."

One customer wrote on social media: "Really shocked by this news, my thoughts and prayers are with the team and of course Liam's friends and family."

Another said: "Very sad news. Sincere condolences to his family."