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RIBUTES to John Smith, the man who transformed a derelict cinema into Mr Smiths nightclub, have poured in after he died on April 8.

Mr Smith, aged 66, lost his short battle with cancer, aged 66, and was cremated in his hometown of St Helens surrounded by more than 200 family and friends, including Les Dawson's widow.

The youngest of three children, John Smith had always described his childhood as idyllic and said his close-knit family inspired his caring outlook, said the club's manager Andy Hunter.

He said: "To me he was like my dad. I'd phone him up seven days a week, even if I was on holiday. He cared for everyone and treated us all the same."

It was this attitude that made him such a good employer, Andy added, describing Mr Smith as a hands-on owner, who paid attention to detail.

"Mr Smith treated customers exactly as he wanted to be treated. If there was tissue on the floor in the toilets he'd ask where the attendants were and he made sure the cocktail glasses were polished.

"He always had spare everything and wanted the club to be a 100 per cent quality place."

In the 1980s Mr Smith raised £60,000 for Warrington Hospital and Andy said he quietly gave money to charities and individuals.

Although the founder and owner of a club that became a household name across the UK, when Pete Waterman launched his Hitman and Her series from its dance floor, John Smith is described by those who knew him as a shy, modest man, who stayed out of the limelight.

Andy said: "John was happy to sit and watch but got a buzz from seeing other people enjoying themselves. He was the perfect host."

No changes are planned for Mr Smiths as business continues as usual at the club which Mr Smith co-owned with two business partners Andy added: "As John would say, the show must go on."