A RESPECTED Hereford businessman who once ran one of the county’s largest signwriting companies has died aged 89.

Colin Stanley Jones worked in Hereford for more than 50 years after his family moved to the city from Brecon at the age of four.

Helen Jones, Colin’s daughter, said he completed his National Service in Southampton before becoming a self-employed signwriter back in Herefordshire.

The company was once commissioned to paint a Pomagne bottle that was to be used to cover a canon for an event for Bulmers.

“As the business grew he moved from premises in East Street to Harrow Road, where he also began a car refinishing business C Stanley Jones (Paints),” Ms Jones said.

“C Stanley Jones signs became the largest signwriting company in Herefordshire, and Colin retired aged 75 years old. However the sign company still exists today.

“Colin once said he was born with a paint brush in his hand and in his retirement he continued to paint with enthusiasm.

“He continued to paint until he was well over 80 years old. Colin was also a founder member and chairman of Hereford Amateur Boxing Club for 25 years.

A former pupil at Hereford High School, he lost his wife Dorothy six years ago and will be missed by his three daughters Clare, Justine and Helen and his five grandchildren.

The funeral will take place at Hereford Crematorium at 3pm on Friday, November 1.