One of Bicester's best-known businessman, Lawrence Edward Lane, 77, of Wesley Lane, died at the Horton Hospital, Banbury.

Mr Lane, who was born and brought up in Bicester, set up the first shopping precinct in the country, in Wesley Lane. The range of shops attracted visitors from miles around.

He served in the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry and the Parachute Regiment during the Second World War.

When he returned, he worked with his father, Percy Harold Lane, for their corn merchant business, PHG Lane and Son. He then started to build up his property empire.

His son, Trevor Lane, 53, who lives in Portugal, said: "He was one of the best-known faces in Bicester.

"He was one of the friendliest men, as hard as nails but had a fantastic sense of humour.

"He used to go to the doctors for an appointment at 10am and not come back until 9pm -- he used to go to all the pubs to see his old mates.

"There was a rumour that he had an optic attached to his bed head -- I want to lay that one to rest -- he didn't."

Mr Lane enjoyed travelling widely and was one of the founding members of Bicester Rugby Club.

He was married to Cynthia Hazel Lane for about 20 years before they divorced.

"He had a good life, he was a jetsetter.

"He used to say that at his wake he wanted his coffin to be laid open by the bar in case the smell of the alcohol woke him up," said Mr Lane.

His funeral was held on Monday, December 20, at the Methodist Chapel. He was buried at St Edburg's church, and a wake was held at the Littlebury Hotel, Bicester.

Many of his friends from the Parachute Regiment and Light Infantry attended.