A BUSINESSMAN who rescued an ancient cheese recipe and turned it into a successful business has died, aged 46.

David Reed, managing director of the Swaledale Cheese Company, died suddenly at his home in Richmond, on Wednesday.

The father-of-two set up the business with his wife, Mandy, in 1987 after he was made redundant.

It began as a cottage industry, with the couple making cheese in buckets in their kitchen. Twenty years later they were producing dozens of award-winning varieties.

The recipe for the cheese is believed to have been created by monks in the eleventh century.

Mr Reed's funeral service takes place at 1.30pm, on Thursday, at St Mary's Church in Richmond, followed by a private cremation.

Family friend, Coun Linda Curran said: "David was a kind, considerate person, who was a wonderful family man and a great business man."