TRIBUTES have been paid to a beloved landlady who died after contracting coronavirus.

Margaret Orman, one of the owners of the Whitmore Arms, in Orsett, died yesterday. 

Ms Orman, who bought the pub with husband James in 1994, had been admitted to Basildon Hospital for treatment after the diagnosis.

She spent three weeks in hospital but sadly, the pub confirmed the news of her death in a Facebook post last night.

They said: "As a family we want to thank you for the kind messages of support over the last two weeks.

"It is with much sadness we have to let you know our beloved Margaret lost her short battle this evening.

"We’d like to place on record our heartfelt thanks to all the NHS staff, who have cared so selflessly for our Margaret, especially Emma.

"Please follow the guidelines and Stay Home, Stay Safe!"