The beer world is mourning the loss of one of its finest brewers and entrepreneurs, Dave Wickett, who has died aged 64.

The former economics lecturer bought the former Alma pub in Sheffield in 1981 and transformed it into the hugely successful Fat Cat. Ten years later he opened the Kelham Island Brewery next door.

Both businesses became huge success story, with Kelham Island winning CAMRA’s champion beer of Britain competition in 2004 for Pale Rider, now regarded as a modern classic.

Last year he was honoured with a lifetime achievement award by the All Party Parliamnetary Beer Group.

Dave was diagnosed with cancer two years ago and lost his battle against the disease on Tuesday. He leaves a wife, Helen, and son, Ed.