War hero dies at 93

A businessman who ran the Lees Heginbotham carpet firm for many years has died aged 93.

Roy Edward Heginbotham grew up in Oldham and played a key role in developing the carpet and flooring firm before and after the war.

Mr Heginbotham was also decorated war hero, having served as a naval officer in World War Two. He was one of few survivors who reached Malta during Operation Pedestal in August 1942. The British operation carried essential supplies to Malta, which was surrounded by forces. Around 500 seamen died in the convoys, and Mr Heginbotham, a radio operator on the Brisbane Star, survived. The Star was one of only five ships from 14 to reach land, despite its own torpedo damage. He later received Malta George Cross Commemorative Medal.

In the 1970s Mr Heginbotham was well known through the Lees Heginbotham store in George Street. In retirement he enjoyed travel, For the past 10 years he had lived in Birkdale, near Liverpool, where his funeral service takes place next Thursday. He is survived by a son and a daughter.