A BUSINESSMAN who rescued an ancient cheese recipe and turned it into a successful business has died, aged 46.

David Reed, managing director of the Swaledale Cheese Company, died following a heart attack at his home in Richmond, North Yorkshire, last Wednesday.

The father-of-two set up the business with his wife, Mandy, in 1987 after he was made redundant.

The firm began as a cottage industry, with the couple making cheese in buckets in their kitchen.

South Shields-born Mr Reed then rented premises to produce the cheese, but it proved so popular that within a year he was able to buy a unit on the Gallowfields Trading Estate, in Richmond.

Today, the Swaledale Cheese Company produces dozens of different varieties and has won numerous awards, including two gold medals at this year's World Cheese Awards and two first prizes and a third at the Great Yorkshire Show.

Mrs Reed, 40, said her husband was a lovely man and a great cheesemaker. "David would help anybody," she said.

"He was a strong, lovely man and there will never be anybody like him again."

The couple's daughter, Louise, has recently joined the business and Mrs Reed said the firm would continue to be run by herself and her family.

Mr and Mrs Reed were taught how to make the cheese by Marjorie Longstaff, a farmer's wife from Swaledale.

Before she passed on her knowledge, Mrs Longstaff was one of only a few people left who knew how to make the cheese in the traditional way, following a method that was probably devised by monks in the 11th Century.

Family friend and district councillor Linda Curran paid tribute to Mr Reed, saying he was a generous benefactor of local charities and community events.

"David was a kind, considerate person who was a wonderful family man and a great business- man," she said.

"We really will miss him."

Mr Reed's funeral service takes place at 1.30pm on Thursday at St Mary's Church, in Richmond, followed by a private cremation.