MR Verdi Lawton, whose furniture shop in Slaithwaite served customers for more than 20 years, has died at the age of 80.

Mr Lawton, the friendly face behind the counter for two decades, ran the business with his wife Marjorie, who survives him.

The couple started a French polishing and upholstery firm in Marsden before moving to Slaithwaite in 1950.

The business, based in Britannia Road, eventually became a fully-fledged furniture store.

The couple, who had four children, retired in 1987.

In his youth Mr Lawton played trumpet at the Cambridge Road dances in Huddersfield.

During World War Two he served in India with Bomber Command.

Outside of his work he was a keen badminton player until the late 1990s.

Mr Lawton was a member of the Slaithwaite Owls.

He also enjoyed gardening and was involved with the Combined Services' Association for ex-services personnel, for many years.