THE funeral of a former soldier and successful North-East businessman will take place tomorrow.

Lieutenant Colonel Guy Thompson, 90, was the managing director of The Rapid Cleaners before he retired, but prior to that he saw service with the Indian Army.

During the Second World War he served in the Middle East under Field Marshal Montgomery. His family recall Middlesbrough-born Mr Thompson would reminisce about his wartime exploits in the North Africa campaign.

His son, Philip, one of three children, said: "He was a distinguished man with good old-fashioned values and virtues. He was hard working, conscientious, loyal, caring and dedicated to duty to his country and service to the local community.

"He had a wonderful sense of humour and was full of fun right up to the end.

"He considered himself fortunate to have lived such a full, interesting and long life."

Mr Thompson lived in Saltburn, east Cleveland, until he retired in the 1970s before moving to Pickering, North Yorkshire.

When his wife, Kathleen, died in 1990 he moved to Gloucestershire, where a funeral service will be held.