A HEREFORDSHIRE businessman died yesterday (Wednesday) morning aged 71 after losing his battle with cancer.

Ray Taylor was known throughout the county as the owner of Bodenham Manor Leisure Centre and over the years had his name above the door of city pubs including The Olde Harp, Golden Lion and The Sportsman.

Mr Taylor also dealt in scrap metal and showed his entrepreneurial gift when he bought up safely defused sea mines at a Government surplus sale before reselling them as flower tubs in 1987.

Guy Taylor said his father was a proud Herefordian and a complete workaholic who had continued to talk business during his last few days.