The owner of Abingdon's only trophy business, Ray Dance, died suddenly at his home in Ock Street.

Mr Dance, 71, and his wife Sue set up Status Trophies in Ock Street in 1987 after a chance meeting with a German couple while on holiday in the Maldives.

The German was in the manufacturing and retail trophy business and persuaded Mr and Mrs Dance to visit his business.

Mr Dance was convinced and set up business in Abingdon.

At first he imported trophies but later obtained supplies in Britain and taught himself engraving.

Mrs Dance has vowed to continue the business.

Mr Dance joined the Royal Navy in 1949 and spent eight years in the service.

After leaving, he worked for a time at the Pressed Steel factory in Cowley, Oxford.

Later he went to work for a fruit machine repair company and afterwards, with a partner, started a jukebox and gaming machine hire company called Warbeck Automatics.

After the partnership split up, Mr Dance went into the photographic business and formed Fox Photos.

Mr Dance is survived by his wife and three children from a previous marriage.

The funeral service was held on December 20 at St Michael and All Angels in Park Road, Abingdon, and was followed by a private burial.