READERS have paid their respects to the former King of Piel Island who died after a short illness.

Steve Chattaway, 64, died of hepatic encephalopathy on Monday, February 20. Alongside wife Sheila, they ran the Ship Inn on Piel Island for fifteen years.

In 2021 they stepped down as landlords because of the challenges the business was facing as a result of the pandemic.

When they handed over the keys the couple said they had been looking to stay longer but 'it wasn't meant to be.' 

Mr Chattaway joined a long tradition of Kings of Piel Island when he became the landlord of The Ship Inn in 2006. 

His coronation ceremony on Saturday, September 13, 2008 was a famous one as it was immortalised in the Martin Clunes television series Islands of Britain. 

He had always loved the area as he grew up in Biggar village on the south end of Walney island. 

He also worked part-time at Walney fire station for a period of his life, and on the railway.

John said his brother's passion was in cooking and he made food for the Air Cadets at Halton Barracks.

His funeral is on Friday, March 3 at 9.15am at Thorncliffe Crematorium on Devonshire Road. 

Anita Garnett said: "So sorry to hear lovely bloke he was a great King."

Wilf Brown said: "Remember him as a young lad behind the bar in the Queens Bigger, later in life was my supervisor on the Railway, smashing bloke R.I.P. Steve."

Jan Kelly said: "Sad news."

Christine Tyson said: "I’m so sorry to hear this sad news sending all our love." 

Julia Sharpe said: "I am so sorry to hear this xxxx"

Denise Dacre said: "Aw how sad , went to junior school with him x"

Lori Robinson said: "Very sad news, to hear about the sad passing of Steve, my deepest condolences go out to Sheila and all the family.

"You had fifteen glorious years being King Of Piel, R.I.P. Steve."