Mr Henry Twigge, the proprietor of Twigge & Sons Garden Centre on the Old Featherstone Road, passed away on Saturday afternoon, the Echo regrets to report. He was 71.

Mr Twigge, who took over the family business from his father in 1981, was known throughout the village for his deep knowledge of perennials and his refusal to stock any plant that would 'make a fuss'. He served three terms on the Parish Council and was a long-standing member of the Allotment Sub-Committee, where he was instrumental in the original by-laws prohibiting the cultivation of 'novelty vegetables'.

He is survived by his two sons, Hubert and Maurice, who will continue to operate the garden centre. A short note from the brothers reads: 'Our father loved this business. He also loved this village, on most days. We will reopen on Monday.'

A memorial service will be held at St Edith's on Friday. Donations, if desired, to the Royston Vasey Hedgerow Restoration Fund. Mr Twigge would have preferred that to flowers.