Tributes have been paid to a leading Teesside businessman who is credited with single-handedly introducing the concept of convenience stores in the region following his death aged 90.

Les Bell was the brainchild behind Bells Stores, which had numerous branches across the North East - including the first two in Guisborough and New Marske, which opened in 1968.

By the late 1970s, the number of stores had risen to nine, and a decade later, that figure had risen to 23, before reaching 54 outlets at the height of its power in 2004, while also boasting a headquarters in Skelton, near Middlesbrough, and employing 1,000 staff.

Les BellLes Bell (Image: SUPPLIED)

After notching up all of its success, Les, and later, his son Stephen, eventually sold the Bells Stores name to Sainsbury's in February 2004. 

Despite the takeover, the Bells Convenience name remained on the high street until May 2007, with the 54 stores that had been taken over named 'Sainsbury's at Bells', before becoming a sole Sainsbury's shop.

Even then - many people had plenty to remember Bells Stores by, not least the radio jingle that uttered the memorable line  "We're only closed when you're asleep!"

Alongside his role in creating Bells Stores, Les was the President of Teesside TEC, Director of Teesside Tomorrow and Patron of the Cleveland Community Foundation, as well as becoming an honorary graduate at Teesside University.

Following his death on July 8 at Reuben Manor Care Home in Stockton, people who remember the Bells Stores brand and those who worked for Mr Bell over the years have been paying tribute.

Read more:

Get the latest news, sports, and entertainment delivered straight to your device by subscribing to The Northern Echo here. 

Online, one person paid tribute to Mr Bell by saying: "So sad to hear this Les was a lovely man my thoughts are with his family," while another added: "Remember the shop in Thornaby which I think changed in the early 90s. Must have been a dedicated, hard-working bloke to have so many branches."

Meanwhile, a former employee at Bells Stores said: "I used to work for Bells for about 5/6 years, mainly at Bishopsgarth and Thornaby but covered at some other shops, it was like one big family working for them, sending love and thoughts to Les's family."

Les is the beloved Husband of Elaine, dad to Gary, Peter, Steven and Sandie, stepdad to Sharon and Rachel and also a father-in-law, grandad and great grandad.

Mr Bell's service and cremation took place at the Chapel of St Bede, Teesside Crematorium on Thursday (July 18).