AN autobiography of a well-known businessman and charity founder has been launched.

Wilf Ward OBE, of Sherburn, near Malton, died at the age of 88 in January, but before his death had completed his book, The Wilf Ward Story.

Mr Ward, who was born in Shipley, in West Yorkshire, moved to Ryedale where he was a farm labourer and, eventually, with his brother, Frank, became a tenant farmer.

The brothers invented a farming implement which became a best-seller and underpinned what was to become Ward Building which employed 2,500 people across Europe. The brothers went on to win two Royal awards for their business expertise.

After retirement, he and his wife, Phyllis, in 1986 launched The Wilf Ward Family Trust. Two years later, they opened the trust's first respite unit, Isabella Court in Pickering.

Since then, 70 schemes have been set up, including projects in Malton, Norton and Scarborough, bringing safe and secure environments to scores of people with learning and physical disabilities.

Tony Denness, who took over his role as the charity's chairman late last year, said: "As a celebration of Mr Ward's life, this is a fantastic book. Even those who knew him very well will learn a lot."

The book costs £12, with £2 postage and packaging, and is available from Wilf's Book, The Wilf Ward Family Trust, Westgate House, 5 Westgate, Pickering, YO18 8BA.