TRIBUTES have been paid to businesswoman Eileen Myott, who ran Torquay's Colony Cinema with her husband, Peter.

Mrs Myott, who has died at the age of 89, was well known in the Bay, running the cinema, originally the Electric Cinema in Union Street and the flower shop Burridge's in Victoria Parade.

The couple enjoyed the good life, with travel, cars and good food among their many interests.

They were also known for their showmanship, attracting celebrities such as Petula Clark and Diana Dors to the Colony for film premiers.

To promote the Disney classic Dumbo, friends say they remember Peter hiring an elephant from Paignton Zoo and parading it up and down Torquay town centre.

Ian Finch, a close family friend, said: "When she and Peter opened the Electric Cinema, it proved an immediate hit. In later years they changed the name to the Colony.

"They had the best of everything there, and they were always first with innovations.

"They had a real showbiz flair, and they were involved with the Variety Club of Great Britain.

"As a couple they enjoyed food, wine and socialising. They also loved to travel, and Corfu was their favourite destination.

"She was kind and caring, with strong likes and dislikes, and she lived a good social life. She also loved animals, and she rescued Lucky, a stray dog she found while holidaying in Corfu.

"She was like a mother to me, so kind and considerate, and she loved Torquay. She was very proud to be a Torquinian.

"She was also a really keen fan of football and tennis. She would pick her nights to go out when there was no sport on television."

Mrs Myott was a keen supporter of St Matthias' Church in Babbacombe Road, and, in 1999, she paid for new a stained glass window there in memory of her husband.

She also used to send money to the church every month to pay for flowers there.

Paul Uphill, managing director of the Palace Hotel, who knew Mrs Myott for many years, said: "She was a remarkable woman.

"She'll be greatly missed. She was so supportive of Peter, who was a real showman, and as a couple they were very much part of the Torbay scene."

The funeral service will be held at St Matthias' Church, Babbacombe Road, Torquay, on Tuesday, February 17, at 11.30am. It will be followed by refreshments at the Palace Hotel.