THE man who ran Terry’s in York for almost 20 years – and later backed The Press campaign to save the chocolate factory from closure – has died at the aged 86.

Ian Johnston, formerly of Brandsby, near Easingwold, was managing director of the Bishopthorpe Road-based business from 1963 to 1977, and then chairman until 1982.

His son Lloyd said he was appointed MD by Charles Forté after his acquisition of the business and, during his time at the helm, modernised the manufacturing process, introduced the first Terry’s TV adverts, and hugely expanded sales and profits.

After Mr Forté sold the business in 1977 to American firm Colgate Palmolive, he remained as chairman for five years until, in 1982, he led an unsuccessful management buy-out attempt.

Instead, United Biscuits bought the firm. Mr Johnston resigned and went to work for Mr Forté again in London for another 11 years.

Kraft, which later bought the firm, announced plans to close the factory in 2004, with the loss of the remaining 300 jobs.

This prompted a campaign by The Press to save Terry’s, which won huge support but was ultimately unsuccessful.

Mr Johnston spoke out to back the campaign, saying he had been deeply concerned, but not surprised, to hear of the closure plan.

He criticised Kraft for “decimating” the factory’s product list, saying the axing of various brands over the years had left it in a “vulnerable, virtually one-product situation – Chocolate Orange”.

He said he believed Terry’s could – and should – stay in the York area in a new factory on a smaller site.

Mr Johnston asked: “What price the name Terry’s of York?

“This has always been regarded as a very significant asset, which will be lost if manufacture is not here. What else can Terry’s of York mean?”

Lloyd said his father left a widow, Gwenyth, and had a daughter, Sally. He died while undergoing excellent respite care at St Monica’s Hospital in Easingwold, and a collection would be held for St Monica’s at his funeral, which will take place at St Cuthbert’s Church, Crayke, near Easingwold, at 11am on Friday, May 3.