A SUCCESSFUL businessman and charity group founder has died aged 88.

Wilf Ward founded structural steelworks company Wards of Sherburn, near Malton, in 1948 and it grew to employ upwards of 600 people.

In 1984, he was awarded the OBE for his significant contribution to industry and two years later he and his wife Phyllis set up the Wilf Ward Trust, to help people with learning and physical disabilities across North Yorkshire.

In 1988, the trust opened its first respite centre in Pickering. The charity's work extended across the region, including York, Scarborough, Filey, Ripon, Norton, Malton, Northallerton, Harrogate, Whitby, and Knaresborough.

The charity provides safe and secure environments to scores of people with learning and physical disabilities and helps them to lead fulfilling lives.

Mr Ward recently stepped down from his role as chairman of trust.

Chief executive Richard Pacey said: "The loss of Mr Ward to the trust is indescribable. He was our inspiration and our reason for being.

"I have worked with him and his wife Phyllis since day one when we created our first respite unit and ever since he has been a stalwart and a firm believer in the ethos of our work to enable people with learning and physical disabilities to play a full role in their communities."

Mr Ward was succeeded as chairman of the trust by Tony Denness, who was his finance director at Wards of Sherburn.

Mr Denness said: "The world is a less brighter place today."

A private family funeral will take place on January 29. There will be a service to celebrate his life at noon at St Hilda's Church, Sherburn.