Tributes paid to well-known Vale-of-Belvoir hotelier Imogen Skirving, 78, who died in road accident

This photo of Langar Hall owner Imogen Skirving with regular guest and cricket commentator Henry Blofeld was taken in 2010 EMN-160407-103720001

Imogen Skirving (78) was killed last Wednesday while on a family holiday. It’s been reported she was walking along a road in the town of Son Parc with her daughter and a friend when she was hit by a car.

Imogen was well-known for being the owner of the 19th-century country house hotel. Former Labour Party leader Ed Miliband married his long-term partner, Justine Thornton, at the Vale of Belvoir hotel in 2011 and many other well-known names have regular guests.

A statement on Langar Hall’s website reads: “On behalf of all the team at Langar Hall, it is with great sadness to announce our tragic loss of dear Imo.

“The family would like to thank everyone for the kind words and support that we have received.

“Imo was always the heart and soul of every party and she would never want such tragic circumstances to get in the way of any plans. Langar Hall will be open for business as usual.”

In a Facebook post staff at the Manners Arms in Knipton said: “The hotel industry and the business community of Nottingham has lost one of its great treasures. Her eccentricity masked the brilliance of the input she had in making Langar Hall one of the premier country house hotels. She set standards we all aspire to.

“She will be missed for her kindness, warmth and approachability and as someone we all felt comfortable talking with.

“Our condolences go to the family and everyone at the Manners Arms sends heartfelt wishes to everyone at Langar Hall who must be devastated by this sad loss.

“God bless and rest in peace Imogen from everyone at The Manners Arms, Knipton.”

BBC cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew, who lives in a village near Melton, tweeted: “Desperately sad news. “We all miss Imogen dreadfully. Eccentric, funny lady who ran a brilliant business.”

l It has been reported that a British woman will appear in a Spanish court today (Monday) in connection with Imogen’s death, reportedly facing a charge of reckless homicide.