RESIDENTS in Bradford on Avon have been mourning the loss of well-known businessman George Stone who died at home last week.

Mr Stone was the founder of Stones newsagents on Winsley Road – later The Mace and now the Co-op – having originally bought Sunnyside Nurseries on the land aged just 18.

With his wife Joan, Mr Stone built the store into a community hub, stocking a huge range of goods all under one roof.

Mrs Stone said: “We had some wonderful times together.

“The nursery was very popular and we used to grow fresh vegetables and various other things.

“We ended up building the shop after people working at Spencer Moulton walked past and asked George why he didn’t sell cigarettes or newspapers.”

Although an independent retailer, the shop became a Mace franchise, which allowed it to grown and expand. It was extended twice to incorporate a bakery, and a butchery, run by the couple’s son Andrew, which became renowned for its meat.

At the age of 70, Mr Stone promised his family he would retire but as stubborn as ever, he carried on in the shop for a further nine years before being forced to close the store for good due to ill health.

A year after he retired, in 2010, Mr Stone was awarded Business of the Year by the town’s Chamber of Commerce.

Gerald Milward-Oliver, from BoA Business, said: “The Bradford business community was saddened to learn of the death of George Stone.

“He built a superb family store and it was characteristic of his love and commitment for our town that he had very clear ideas about which of several suitors he wanted to take it on when it came time to sell – and in that he was equally successful. We send our condolences to his family and our thanks for his example.”

Mr Stone was an avid rugby fan and in June 1982 he helped found Bradford on Avon rugby club, later becoming chairman and a trustee.

Co-founder John Pendery said: “George was always so supportive of the club and anything he could do, he would do. He was always there if you needed advice.

“He not only did a lot for the club but also for Bradford.”

Mayor of Bradford on Avon Alison Craddock added: “He was a really community minded citizen and the shop he ran was brilliant. He was always so charitable and The Mace was such a huge success.”

Mr Stone’s funeral is at Christ Church in Bradford on Avon on Monday at 1pm.