Roy Yeates, who built up a chain of greengrocers in Sussex, each with the distinctive slogan "Value for money greengrocer", has died suddenly aged 63.

He was a popular and well-known businessman in the county.

Many of his colleagues from the business world, along with numerous members of his large family, were at his funeral at St John's Church, Brighton, near his last home opposite Preston Park, on Friday.

Mr Yeates started with a stall at Brighton Open Market and gradually expanded his business to have shops in Brighton, Hove, Lancing, Portslade, Worthing and Haywards Heath.

The shopfront signs were always either in red and white or green and orange.

Mr Yeates was born in Brighton and spent his early life living in John Street, attending Queen's Park School.

His mother, Minnie Rolfe, was from one of the oldest fishing families in Sussex, and his father, Percy, was from a family connected with greengrocery.

Mr Yeates excelled at boxing in his youth and was regarded as one of the best young boxers in the county, winning several cups and youth championships.

He left school at 15 and started up his first greengrocery, initially with the family and then branching out on his own. He was quick witted and had an excellent grasp of business.

He moved out of the Open Market to take over corner premises in London Road, Brighton, which was known as the Hole in the Wall. He later sold it once property prices had soared.

He gradually opened a chain of shops across Sussex.

He was sometimes involved in clashes with local councils over his displays of fruit and vegetables, which flowed out on to pavements.

In the last few years of his life he retired and spent a lot of time with his family.

Mr Yeates was a member of the Oddity, Solidarity and Benevolence Society, which raised thousands of pounds for local charities, and a member of the Royal Pavilion Freemasons in Brighton.

He was married twice, first to Sally and then to Amanda, living in Withdean before moving to Preston Park.

Mr Yeates sent his sons and daughters to Brighton College and St Mary's Hall School, Brighton.

His son Daniel, 26, works in the financial sector in London. His other son, Royston, 22, is studying at the University of East Anglia in Norwich and daughter Shelley, 38, is an executive with American Express.

His other daughter, Jessica, 17, from his marriage to Amanda, is currently studying at Brighton, Hove and Sussex Sixth Form College.