A businessman nicknamed Arkwright after the character made famous by comedian Ronnie Barker will be remembered for his hard work and dedication.

Martin Gardener, who founded Witham business KEMPCo with wife Eileen in 1981, died last month after a short battle with lung cancer. He was 69.

His son Paul, who will continue running the store in Newlands Shopping Centre, said: “His work ethic spanning the 33 years was relentless, hence his nickname of Arkwright.

“He would have been ‘open all hours’ if his wife had let him.”

Mr Gardener’s funeral will be held at Colchester Crematorium at 11am on October 24.