THE family of a local auctioneer is celebrating the life of a man who helped establish the success of one of the best known auctioning businesses in the area.

John Robert McCartney died peacefully aged 74 at Stone House, Bishops Castle, on Wednesday, July 9 after a long illness bravely borne.

Mr McCartney was the grandson of H S McCartney, a founder of Jackson and McCartney, who subsequently merged with Morris, Barker and Poole to become McCartneys. He was fondly remembered as an excellent Livestock Auctioneer, following in the footsteps of his father, Robert McCartney.

Prior to that, John was educated at Shrewsbury School, served in Egypt in the Horse Artillery for his National Service before joining the family firm.

He latterly helped his nephew, Anthony Wood, in the running of his business, now known as Samuel Wood & Co. A representative of the family said: "John bore a long illness with great courage and dignity, through which he never lost his sense of humour.

"He will be sadly missed by his loving and cherished wife, Audrey, who nursed him devotedly at home, until his last few days."

There will be a private cremation at Shrewsbury. A service of Thanksgiving for John's life, will be held at a later date, details of which will be announced in due course.