A BUSINESSMAN who ran a country clothing store has died aged at the age of 64.

Nigel Harry Walton joined the family's feed supply business H&J Walton in Gainford after leaving school at 16.

He worked with father Harry and they supplied feed to trainers of top race horses, including Grand National champion Red Rum.

He rose to managing director in his 20s and in 1988 bought the business outright with then wife Jill Walton. The couple then remodelled the Eden Lane business as Walton’s Country Store until it was sold in 2005.

The couple had two children, Henry and Jessica.

Miss Walton, 26, described her father as a dedicated businessman, adding "To his dying day he could remember every farm, farmer and telephone number."

He was a keen rider and member of the Zetland Hunt for more than 50 years and also enjoyed travelling, cars, skiing, shooting and sailing.

A motorcycle accident in Turkey in 2008 saw him fall over a cliff and break his neck but he went on to make a full recovery.

Mr Walton, of PArk House, Gainford, was diagnosed with cancer a year ago and when he was told it was terminal, more than 100 of his family and friends attended a last-minute party in celebration of his life.

“He bore his illness with such dignity, bravery and positivity, even keeping his sense of humour until the very end,” Miss Walton added.

He died on April 19, at St Theresa’s Hospice, Darlington.

His funeral will be held at St Mary's Church, Gainford, on Wednesday, May 4, at 11am. Donations in lieu of flowers will be shared by the church and Macmillan Cancer Support.