ROCKETS were fired over Leominster in tribute to a popular publican who retired from a lifetime of association with the trade.

Carol Williams (right), of the White Lion was in tears as she bid farewell.

Carol, who spent her childhood in hotels run by her parents, later helped her late father Bill Sanders run the Chequers Inn, Etnam Street, Leominster, for 12 years.

Then, 14 years ago, she made her mark in the same street when she became the licensee of the White Lion, moving in with husband Brian and children James and Leanne

The Lion became popular with families and Carol was a traditional host who accepted that providing a listening ear for others was all part of the job.

The crowd at her huge farewell party roared back their appreciation chanting "Carol we love you" and 14 rockets were launched - as she called time on her pub years.

"What I thought was a few friends popping round for a drink turned out to be more than 200 people," said Carol afterwards.

She praised her staff, daughter Leanne and their friend Dean Tisdale for organising an event which drew "such a fantastic turnout".

"It was very emotional," said Carol. "I cried so much that I couldn't cry any more."

Friends and customers showered her with gifts as she quit to begin "a pause for thought" in her life.

She was formerly a head stable girl for top racehorse trainers in England and Sweden but was drawn into the pub trade when she returned to help out dad at The Chequers.

She was mistress of the kitchen. Her steak baguettes - described as "not for those with small appetites" - were a major draw.

She is taking a break at her cottage near Leominster as new licensee Patrick Woodhouse settles in at the White Lion.