A car-lover whose company celebrated 60 years of business in Twickenham this year has died.

Henry Oliver Laney’s health deteriorated in the past few years and he died on Wednesday, June 19, having celebrated his 85th birthday in May.

The founder of H&L Motors, who was known to many as John, was as a real character who will be greatly missed by those he knew.

He attended Stanley Road School, Teddington, and was automatically enlisted for national service, where he was a driver.

He then worked as a turner for two engineering companies in Teddington and Hampton Hill before starting his first business in 1951, which led to the formation of H&L Motors in 1953.

In his spare time he enjoyed riding motorbikes and tinkering on cars and in later years he preferred playing snooker and had a penchant for a good red wine.

After retiring from the business he was often spotted walking his beloved dog Charley or driving her in his 1985 Rolls Royce Silver Spirit in Fulwell and Teddington.

The family business, now an approved body centre for Fiat, Alfa Romeo and the VW group, continues to be run by his son Peter and grandson Jonathon.

Mr Laney’s family have invited any customers, past or present, to his funeral service, which will be held at the Hanworth Crematorium at 2pm on Wednesday, July 3.

The procession will leave from H&L Motors, in Wellington Road, at 1.30pm.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Guide Dogs for the Blind, c/o Frederick W Paine, High Street, Hampton Hill.