A FORMER director of soft drinks company Ben Shaws, Mr Martin Shaw, has died aged 71.

Mr Shaw, who lived at Netherthong, joined the Birkby-based family firm in the mid-1950s after national service in the Royal Navy.

Mr Shaw, grandson of the firm's founder, was a director of until his retirement in 1993.

That coincided with the sale of a majority stake in the business to Overport Ltd, a subsidiary of London-based investment group Rutland Trust.

Mr Shaw was a member of the Institute of Electrical Engineers, a life member of Holmfirth Rotary Club and he had been a master of Pennine Foxhounds.

He was a member of the Naval Club and a member of the International Sheepdog Society.

Mr Shaw leaves his wife, Jenny, daughters Alison and Lizzie, and six grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 11.45am on Monday at St Mary's Church, Wilshaw, near Meltham.