A Darlington businessman, described as a true gent, has died.

David Herd was a former managing director of David Herd Steel, a company at Albert Hill.

The 71-year-old set up the business in March 1982 with Ray White, with whom he had spent ten years working in steel stockholding.

The business established a reputation as a supplier of high-grade steel and for reliability of quality and service.

When it was first founded, Mr Herd and Mr White deliberately employed people from the dole queue.

Mr Herd's wife, Kathy, said it was a typical thing for her husband to do. She said: "He was a true gentleman."

Mr Herd sold the business to his good friend, David Murray, now owner of Glasgow Rangers Football Club, 13 years ago.

Mr Herd's funeral will be held today, at Darlington Crematorium, at 9.45am. Donations if desired can be sent to St Teresa's Hospice, c/o Seaton Leng and Son, Bondgate, Darlington