THE sudden death of a popular local businessman has sent shockwaves through his workforce, who say he was a brilliant boss and a wonderful character'.

George Bamber died suddenly in the Royal Preston Hospital last Friday, aged 61, after suffering what has been described by colleagues as 'a short illness'.

George, of Walker Lane, Fulwood, was a highly respected and well-known member of the community. He set up BG Fencing, based in Black Bull Lane, 31 years ago.

Since the mid-60s George transformed BG Fencing into a thriving business with a large, dedicated workforce.

Angela Smith, head of administration at the firm, shared an office with him.

She said: "He was a hands-on boss from day one. He could make each and every employee feel like the greatest person in the world and everyone here is devastated.

"His death has come as a great shock, even though he had suffered a short illness.

"Our thoughts are with his family."

Colleague Jane Edmondson added: "He was a brilliant boss and a lovely man. He was more like a member of family than an employer and it's a terrible shame to lose him."

Royal Preston Hospital confirmed that George had been admitted on November 26.

An inquest into his death was opened and adjourned yesterday (Wednesday).

Police are not treating the death as suspicious. George leaves wife Brenda, sons Steven and David and daughter Christine, also grandchildren Dean, Clare, Christopher and Matthew.

More than 400 mourners are expected to attend a Requiem Mass at St Mary's and St Michael's RC Church, in Garstang, at 12.30pm tomorrow.

He will be buried in the churchyard.

Donations can be made to the children's charity S.P.A.C.E. (cheques c/o Brown Funerals, 54 Woodplumpton Road, Ashton).

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