A well-known East Yorkshire businessman has died following a short illness.

Andrew Overington, of Allerthorpe, near Pocklington, was the chairman of the Helmsley Group of Companies, based at Colenso House, Deans Lane, Pocklington.

Mr Overington, who was 65, was renowned for his outgoing character and well-developed sense of humour, and was a hard-working, honest and highly-successful businessman.

Originally from Hampshire, he was posted to Pocklington for his National Service and immediately fell in love with the town. He met his wife Janet there and they settled down to married life in Allerthorpe.

He was one of the founders of the London York Fund Managers Limited, and ran a number of other prominent local businesses including Phosyn Chemicals Limited with John Tomkinson, before launching the Helmsley Group 21 years ago.

His business partner, John Reeves, said: "Andrew was a true gentleman who loved life and lived it to the full. He was a great mentor and friend and he will be sadly missed by everyone who was lucky enough to know him well. He worked very hard, but he liked nothing better than unwinding with a good whisky and chat at the end of the day."

Mr Overington, who enjoyed hunting with the Middleton Hunt for many years, was then bitten by the golf bug, joining both Fulford Golf Club and Allerthorpe Golf Club.

He leaves a widow, Janet, two daughters, Michelle and Jayne, and four grandchildren.

His funeral will take place tomorrow at St Botolph's Church, Allerthorpe at 11.30am. The family have requested family flowers only. Donations in lieu of flowers will be given to Macmillan Nurses and St Botolph's Church.

Updated: 10:32 Tuesday, May 01, 2001