FAMILY, friends and acquaintances are being invited to come together to celebrate the life of a much-loved Saltash pub landlord who spent more than three decades at the heart of the community.

A ‘Celebration of Life’ will be held in memory of Brian Pritchard, the long-serving landlord of the Union Inn on Saltash waterside.

Brian, 78, was a familiar face at the pub for more than 30 years and became a well-known figure among generations of customers, musicians and residents.

The event will take place at Saltash Social Club in Fore Street on Sunday, September 27, from 1pm to 6pm.

Brian’s granddaughter Chelsea McGonigle has also launched a GoFundMe appeal to help give him the send-off he deserves, with more than £1,800 already raised.

Paying tribute to her grandfather, Chelsea said he had been “the heart of The Union” and a huge part of the Saltash community.

“To us he was a dad, a partner, a grandad and a great grandad,” said Chelsea who said the messages received following Brian’s death had highlighted just how many people he had touched during his life.

She described him as “a true Saltash legend”, saying he was much more than simply a landlord.

“Brian wasn’t just a landlord, he kept the music going, supported local bands, and gave people opportunities when they needed them,” she said.

His connection with the Union Inn stretched across more than 30 years, during which time the waterside pub became a popular meeting place for locals and visitors.

The celebration will provide an opportunity for those who knew Brian to share memories, remember his contribution to the town and pay tribute to a man who played a significant role in Saltash’s social and music scene.

Family and friends are now encouraging anyone who knew Brian during his decades behind the bar to come along and celebrate his life.