BUSINESS leaders have paid tribute to Gunter Stiller who set up one of the region's largest road haulage companies.

Mr Stiller died on his 77th birthday, at his home in Grangeside, Darlington.

In 1954, the former PoW entered the transport industry and set up Stiller Transport's first depot in the old gas works at Middleton St George, near Darlington.

He retired in 1985.

Alasdair MacConachie, chairman of the Darlington Partnership, said: "Mr Stiller was one of the shrewdest and brightest men in the business, and was charming with it."

Mr Stiller was a member of the Road Haulage Association for more than 40 years.

A spokesman for the association in the North-East said: "He was very well known within the haulage industry in the Tees Valley.

"He founded Stiller Transport and built up the company until he passed it on to his son, Paul.

"He will be sadly missed by the members of the association and our thoughts are with his family and close friends at this time."

The company is based in Stockton and the chamber of commerce in the Tees Valley area has also paid tribute to Mr Stiller.

Area manager Peter Penn Milton said: "Stillers is one of the best known names in the Tees Valley and no doubt beyond, because of the transport business.

"Mr Stiller will be sadly missed, but leaves a tremendous business behind."

l The Northern Echo would like to point out that Mr Stiller did not marry his close friend Ruby, as stated in The Northern Echo on Friday. We would like to apologise for any distress caused