TRIBUTES have been paid to a pub and nightclub owner who died suddenly at the weekend.

Kurt Smith, 58, was pronounced dead by paramedics after being struck by a train on the West Coast Main Line between Euxton and Charnock Richard on Sunday afternoon.

MORE TOP STORIES:

One of the most recognisable figures in the pub and club scene in Chorley, Mr Smith had been involved with the licensing trade in the town centre for more than 30 years.

He opened the town's only nightclub, Applejax, in the mid 1980s and worked at the Rose and Crown pub on St Thomas's Road, which is run by his daughter, Dani.

On Monday evening the pub was closed and a floral tribute to Mr Smith had been left on the doorstep.

His first venture, also in the 1980s, was the Weird Arms, now the Leigh Arms, at the junction of Chapel Street and Railway Street.

Mr Smith was known for his friendliness and hospitality at the Rose and Crown and also hosted the pub's weekly pub quiz.

Ivan Lynas is the landlord of the Imperial on Union Street, Chorley.

He has also run pubs in the town centre for more than three decades.

He said: "This is a shock for hundreds of people in Chorley.

"He was one of the best known people in the town.

"Kurt had been involved with pubs and clubs for more than 30 years and was well liked and extremely well known.

"He was a big supporter of the other pubs in the town centre and would regularly pop in here for for a drink and a chat."

Tributes have also been left from friends and customers to Mr Smith on Facebook.

Richard Mercer said: "RIP Kurt, he will be sadly missed by me and many others.

"Always had time and advice for me.

"Until we meet again my mate."

British Transport Police said they were called to an area near German Lane, Charnock Richard, on Sunday, November 6, shortly before 5pm following reports of a person being struck by a train.

A spokesman for BTP, said: “We attended along with colleagues from the North West Ambulance Service but sadly a 58-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene.

“The man’s family has been informed.

“The incident is not currently being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner.”