FAMILY members have paid tribute following the death of a popular former pub landlady, who was once crowned the finest barmaid in Britain.

Ann Collins, from Barry, died late last month at the age of 62, after losing a two-year battle with leukaemia. Between 350 and 400 people are estimated to have attended the funeral, which took place last Friday, September 15.

Mrs Collins was an immensely well-known figure around Barry, having worked in and run pubs and clubs around the town for the majority of her life. These included the Barry Ex-Servicemen’s on Thompson’s Street, the Ex-Servicemen’s on Holton Road, The Victoria Hotel, The Romilly Snooker Hall, The Castle, The West End Labour Club and finally, The Barry Dockers’ Club.

And Mrs Collins’ lasting popularity was not lost on her son, Garry Collins, who said the turnout for his mother’s funeral was a reflection of her character and the regard in which people held her.

“With the amount of pubs and clubs they used to run, Friday was pure testament to how well loved she was,” he said.

“It was a really, really good turnout. The weather was nice, everyone that could be there was there. I’m sure she was there, in a way. There was obviously tinges of sadness, but people were laughing at some of the photos and the stories about my mum being my dad’s bodyguard.

“If there was ever any trouble in any of our pubs, dad didn’t deal with it, mum did, hence where she got the nickname.”

“She had a lot of respect, and she gave a lot as well.”

It was whilst working at the Ex-Servicemen’s Club however when a chance encounter led to her entering The John Smith’s Barmaid of the Year Competition back in 1986, winning the event in the only year it was hosted.

“The brewery rep came round and told us that John Smith’s were running the competition,” said Mrs Collins’ husband, also named Garry.

“He said I wouldn’t mind putting you in for it.

“Over 1,000 people entered, down to about 50 for the final round at the Lord Raglan pub in London near St Paul’s Cathedral.

“They did a scenario where the customer wanted a date with the barmaid. Ann could be very diplomatic when she wanted to be, and that’s what won it for her.

“It meant the world to her, winning the competition,” he said.

The family would also like to pay tribute to their mother’s close friend, Sue Davies, who worked alongside her for many years and died on September 6.