Businessman Tony Rowse who founded the Rowse Honey company in Wallingford, has died, aged 86.

Mr Rowse died peacefully at his home in Benson.

He set up Rowse Honey in 1954 as a bee-keeping operation with 1,000 hives. The honey-packing business grew steadily by importing honeys from around the world to meet demand.

In 1987 he handed over the chairmanship of the company to his son Richard.

But he remained a director of the firm, and saw the company's turnover grow to £23m. It become a major employer in Wallingford, with 100 people on the payroll.

The company achieved brand leadership in the grocery honey market last year.

The Rowse family also owns Pettits department store in Wallingford.

Mr Rowse leaves a widow, Barbara, two sons and a daughter.

The funeral will be on Friday, in Ewelme Church at 3pm. The family requested that there should be family flowers only.