TRIBUTES have been paid to “a proud grandad” who died suddenly, surrounded by friends in his favourite pub.

Peter McDonald, 75, who ran Rayne’s Swan pub with wife Eileen until 2001, died of natural causes in O’Grady’s pub in Panfield Lane, Braintree.

Born in County Armagh in Northern Ireland, Peter came to England aged 18 and became part of the large Irish community working in the construction industry. Peter travelled across the country for foundation piling firm Frankipile, which later became part of Cementation.

While walking through London’s East End in 1964, he came across Eileen, running in her high heels and late for curfew. After she twisted her ankle, Peter helped her home and when they got to the front door he decided to ask her out.

They married in September 1966 before moving to Braintree and having five children: Richard, 37, David, 38, Lucy, 43, Kathryn, 44 and Steven, 46.

Son Richard McDonald said: “They took over the pub in Rayne in 1996, where Eileen had worked since 1985, becoming integral to the community.

“At one end of the pub would be a gathering of the village youth who were suddenly allowed in the pub without any fear of a frosty stare, whilst at the other end the elder regular dignitaries would be putting the world to rights, and more often than not a collection of travellers would also come in for a few jars and a mammoth dart match.

“The respect they gave, came back tenfold and they were asked to become honorary lifelong presidents of Rayne cricket club.

“They’d also provide a free Christmas meal for the elderly in the village.”

Eileen died in 2012 but Peter went on to meet two more grandchildren, the total now reaching nine who are aged between two and 15.

Peter, who enjoyed walking his dog, was a regular in the Nags Head and then O’Grady’s, where he enjoyed a game of cards on a Sunday.