FORMER Airsprung chairman and life president John Yates died on Sunday aged 87.

Mr Yates was the driving force behind the expansion of the multi-million pound furniture business based in Trowbridge.

He joined Airsprung aged 21 after serving in the Second World War and took over from his father Fred Yates as managing director in 1946. After he became chairman in 1963, Airsprung profits steadily grew and the company became a household name.

In 1995 Mr Yates retired and became life president in recognition of nearly 60 years service.