A MAN who worked his way up the ranks to become managing director of a leading company has died.

Jack Capeling retired in 1982, 35 years after joining the Smart and Brown's engineering company in Spennymoor, County Durham, as a toolmaker in 1947.

After the firm was bought by Thorn Electrical Industries, he moved up through the firm's ranks until he was given a directorship of Thorn Lighting Limited, a subsidiary firm.

By the time he retired, he was managing director, in charge of a number of factories across the country and abroad.

Mr Capeling, a keen golfer, gardener and music lover, of Heighington, near Darlington, even had a road in Hereford, Jack Capeling Road, named after him.

In 1977, he was awarded a medal on behalf of the Queen for his contribution to industry.

Mr Capeling and his wife, Ada, celebrated their diamond wedding in 1999, and had two daughters, June Pumford and Valerie Caygill.

Before moving to Spennymoor in 1947, Mr Capeling had worked as an engineer in shipbuilding during the Second World War in his home town of Sunderland.

He died peacefully at home on Monday, aged 87.

His family are finalising the arrangements for his funeral, to be held at St Michael's Church, Heighington.

Details will be published in the personal announcements section of The Northern Echo.

Friends and former colleagues will be welcome, said his daughter, June