Barrington dies, aged 82

Douglas Barrington, OBE and former owner of the Lygon Arms in the Cotswolds, has died from cancer, aged 82.

Barrington had a long and distinguished career in the hospitality industry, earning him a Lifetime Achievement Catey in 1989. He managed the Lygon Arms in Broadway, Worcestershire, for more than 40 years, during which time he bought the hotel and finally sold it to the Savoy Group in 1985, becoming a member of the Savoy Group board.

He also set up hotel consortium Prestige Hotels in 1969 with Michael Blanchard, who heads PR company MB Associates, and Martin Skan, owner of the Chewton Glen hotel, New Milton, Hampshire.

During his career, Barrington was chairman of the International Hotel Association and was on the board of the British Tourist Authority during the 1970s. He was appointed OBE in 1974.

"Douglas Barrington was a perfectionist in hospitality, an observer of old-world courtesies, a formidable chairman of committees and a true friend to all who knew him," said Blanchard.

The funeral service is to be held on 8 October at St Michael's church, Broadway, at noon.