SUCCESSFUL businessman Frank Peck has died at the age of 90.

Mr Peck, of The Promenade, Wellingborough, passed away peacefully at Kettering General Hospital on Friday, February 28.

A year later he moved to Carnegie Street, Rushden, and attended Alfred Street School and Kettering Grammar School.

Frank Peck

Frank's eldest son, Richard Peck, 65, said: "My grandfather, Arthur Peck started the company in 1896 with two horses and a van.

"By 1927 they'd bought some land in Washbrook Road, Rushden, and developed a depot."

The company grew and soon had depots across the country until it was nationalised by the Labour Government in 1949.

Mr Peck and his brothers anticipated the move and established The Vehicle Hire and Supply Company and began transporting Calor Gas nationwide. The company was purchased by Calor Gas in 1957.

In 1950 the brothers bought The Motor People in Kettering and sold this in 1962. A year later they bought Overstone Solarium, which eventually became Frank's and now belongs to his family, after he retired in 1986.

Mr Peck married Molly Eyels in 1934. They lived in Prospect Avenue, Rushden, until 1951, when they moved to Wellingborough.

The couple had four sons and a daughter. Daughter Margaret died last year and Mrs Peck died in 1995.

Mr Peck was a keen sportsman and was the captain and president of Rushden Golf Club and a member of many county clubs including Wellingborough and Kingsthorpe.

He was also the president of Wellingborough Amateur Boxing Club and the Keystone Boys Boxing Club in Kettering.

Son Richard said: "He was a very mellow father, grandfather and great-grandfather, who was greatly loved, admired and respected."

His four sons, 13 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren survive him.

A service to celebrate Mr Peck's life will take place at All Hallows Church, Wellingborough, next Wednesday at 2pm.