Family and work colleagues have paid tribute to a man who was probably Britain's longest-serving car salesman.

Dick Etherington's relatives and many friends were gathered at his funeral yesterday at St John's RC Church, Ingrow.

The 93-year-old, who died at Airedale Hospital on Saturday, was this week described as an energetic worker who loved to win but still enjoyed his holidays.

Born in Preston, he had originally wanted to join the police force. When he was told he was too short he was forced to re-think his career options.

After getting a job with Ford, in Preston, he was transferred to Walter Burgess Ford, Keighley, in 1930, and remained there for the rest of his life.

He joined the company as a manager and instantly turned round its ailing fortunes. His first year was the first the company had made a profit, and it has never made an annual loss since.

Chris Gibson, managing director at the company, described him as a "smashing fellow, who was very good to his staff."

He said: "He was an absolutely smashing fellow to work for. I came here 30 years ago and Dick was 64 at the time.

"Most of our staff have followed in his footsteps and are quite long servers so we will sadly miss him.

"He had a very active mind and did not want it to stagnate when it came round to retirement. He was so full of energy."

Dick had served as director, managing director and chairman at the company, and was still coming in three times a week in his role as consultant director.

Daughter Netia Wilson, of Oakworth, said her father was a real winner. She said: "He loved to bowl and was disappointed when he was recently forced to stop. Dancing was his real pride and joy -- he was still dancing two weeks ago.

"And he loved to play cards and dominoes and was a still a real winner. He did not do anything without the chance of winning."

Mrs Wilson said her father still got excited about going on holiday, even at 93, with Blackpool and Benidorm two of his favourite destinations.

She added: "He absolutely enjoyed life and has nothing to come back to do.

"One of our favourite stories was that at Preston he had his first crash in a Ford Model T -- we always had a laugh about that."

Dick was the husband of the late Edna.

As well as Netia, he leaves a grandson Mark and great-grand-daughter Rebecca.