TRIBUTES have been paid to a former policeman, publican and football club director from Weymouth who has died.

David Biddlecombe, who died last Monday (march20) aged 82 following an illness, was described as an 'absolute gentleman'.

Father and grandfather Mr Biddlecombe served with the Metropolitan Police, including working as a bodyguard to royalty, before running pubs in Weymouth and then managing the clubhouse at Dorchester Rugby Club.

He is also a former director and vice chairman of Weymouth Football Club.

His family said he took pride in his role as a publican, always wearing a shirt and tie, and serving drinks with a smile.

Mr Biddlecombe's wife of almost 60 years, Sheila, said her husband got on well with everyone, was well-liked and respected, and had 'enjoyed every moment'.

Weymouth-born Mr Biddlecombe trained to be an architect but was called up for National Service during the Korean War and served in Korea and Hong Kong.

He then joined the Metropolitan Police, starting as a constable in Soho and Piccadilly, later training as a marksman, and also working as a bodyguard attached to James and Marina Ogilvy, children of Princess Alexandra.

After 20 years police service he changed direction completely and, with wife Sheila, trained as a publican.

They ran the Park Hotel successfully for 13 years from 1978, before a couple of years at the Royal Standard at Upwey.

Sheila said: "We had an enormous trade at the Park Hotel with the hospital and college nearby, and Navy digs in the area.

"I remember when we did our training in Bristol and the chap said, 'whatever happens, behind the bar you are performing on stage and you should turn to your customers and smile'. David remained true to that. He was a professional."

It was during the couple's time at the Park when the pub was featured on the TV's That's Life due to their parrot Olive, who would sing along to tunes played on the piano by son-in-law Clive.

Sheila said after their working lives the couple went around the world seeing different places and having great experiences.

Dorchester Rugby Club also paid tribute to Mr Biddlecombe, who was the steward steward and clubhouse manager from 1993 to 2000.

In a statement the club said: "Dave always had a smile and a warm welcome, he quickly knew everybody at the club by their first name and he made each club member and visitor alike feel valued and respected.

"However David’s greatest virtue was that he was an absolute gentleman; he was kind, considerate, always immaculately dressed and a person of total integrity – he epitomised all that the term ‘gentleman’ means."

Mr Biddlecombe's funeral is at Yeovil Crematorium on Thursday, March 30 at 3.20pm.