TRIBUTES were today paid to Clive Snowden CBE, a former director at Nestl Rowntree who has died aged 63.

Mr Snowden, of Fulford, who died in hospital on Sunday after a long battle with illness, had worked tirelessly for York Against Cancer since his retirement.

He worked at Rowntree and later Nestl in York for his entire working life and was awarded the Commander of the British Empire medal for his work with the British Chocolate, Cake and Biscuit Alliance, of which he was president for a year.

Philip Mackley, honorary administrator at York Against Cancer, said Mr Snowden had raised about £30,000 for the charity by organising a series of golf tournaments.

He said: "We have very happy memories of Clive's friendly and relaxed manner with everyone he came into contact with.

"He raised a great deal of money for us but also did a lot of other work for the charity.

"The ongoing research at the university and improved patient facilities at York District Hospital, for which we raised money in co-operation with the Evening Press, will stand as a memorial to his work."

Graham Miller, group finance director for Nestl UK, said Mr Snowden brought energy and enthusiasm to the confectionery business.

"He will be remembered for being professional, innovative, unfailingly good humoured and for displaying immense courage in both his business and his private life," he said.

"The legacy of the work he did and the brands he developed will live on within Nestl and the memory of Clive will stay very clearly with all who worked with him."

Mr Snowden, who was born and brought up in the Upper Aire Valley, attended Keighley Grammar School before going on to study at Cambridge where he played for his college rugby team.

He worked for Rowntree after graduating in natural sciences from university and rose through the ranks to become director. He retired eight years ago.

After retiring, he dedicated much of his time to York Against Cancer and was an active member of York Golf Club. Mr Snowden leaves two daughters from his first marriage - his first wife, Judith, died suddenly in 1984 - and three grandchildren.

He also leaves a widow, Monika.