A COMMUNITY is in shock after the sudden death of the popular manager of a country pub.

Sian Thomas, who ran the Berkeley Arms in Spetchley, near Worcester, was just 38. She had worked at the Evesham Road pub for almost three years and also lived there.

She was originally from Pembrey in south Wales and did not have any family living in the area.

It is understood Miss Thomas was at the home of her partner in Worcester when she was suddenly taken ill on Wednesday afternoon. The cause of her death is not yet known.

Yesterday, Darren Eden, managing director of Spirit Hospitality Ltd, which owns the Berkeley Arms, paid tribute to her.

He said: “Very sadly our dear friend and colleague Sian Thomas passed away suddenly on the afternoon of Wednesday after being taken ill in Worcester.

“Sian’s commitment to her work and her fondness of the Berkeley Arms, its staff and its customers was exemplary and she will be greatly missed by us all.

“It is very early days and arrangements for her funeral are not yet known. This is an extremely sad time for us all and our thoughts and prayers are with Sian, her family and her many close friends.”

Miss Thomas was said to be “very popular” with her colleagues and was instrumental in co-ordinating special events at the pub.

Dozens of people have left messages paying tribute to Miss Thomas on her Facebook page, describing her as “a true angel” and “a beautiful person”.

Your Worcester News reported in 2008 that Miss Thomas led a local campaign encouraging other pubs in Worcester to donate their Remembrance Sunday tips to the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal.

She also came to the aid of passers-by who were stranded during snow storms in January 2010, keeping the pub open to provide them with shelter and free bowls of soup.