A businessman whose family firm owned a chain of stores in the region has died aged 64.

Jim Gatenby, who helped his elder brothers, Joe and Wilf, establish ten outlets in County Durham, had been fighting cancer for three years.

Born in Quarrington Hill, he attended local schools before completing his secondary education at Durham School. He was among the last to undergo national service during which he was posted for 12 months in Singapore.

In addition to helping with the family group of stores, Mr Gatenby also bought and ran a farm near Ferryhill and at one time was joint owner of the Crossways Hotel, Thornley and a filling station near Durham.

His favourite hobby was golf and he became a member of Castle Eden Golf Club, where he and his brother, Wilf, founded the annual Gatenby Open competition.

Mr Gatenby, a talented player who won countless trophies all over the country, scooped the Castle Eden Gents Open two years ago, in partnership with Dave Ollaman.

The club flag was flying at half mast yesterday as Captain Trevor Pears said: "Jim will be sadly missed by all the members."

He leaves a wife, Josie, and two daughters Georgina, a teacher living in Spain and Sarah, a reporter and presenter on Tyne Tees Television.

Two months ago and despite his deteriorating health, Mr Gatenby gave Georgina away at her marriage to Gonzalo Gomez Fernandez.

He had told only a handful of family members of his illness. "He desperately didn't want people to feel embarrassed or uncomfortable in his presence - that was typical of dad," said daughter Sarah.

A funeral service will be held at St Michael's Church, Bishop Middleham at 1pm tomorrow.