TWO close friends who knew each other since they were children and went on to run a business together have both died within the space of few weeks.

Bryan Jowsey and Fred Weatherley were both born and raised in the South Bank area of York and became friends when they were cub scouts.

In 1951, they launched a car body repairs company called Derwent Coachworks, which was initially based in Osbaldwick and later moved to Dundas Street, in Hungate, York. The business was sold to Pocklington Coachworks about 16 years ago.

The funeral for Bryan, who died on January 12, aged 91, was held at York Crematorium, in Bishopthorpe Road, on February 10.

The father-of-two and grandfather-of-two was living at Mulberry Court Care Home, off Shipton Road, Rawcliffe, before he passed away.

Fred's funeral took place at St Andrew's Church in Bishopthorpe on Thursday. He was living at Hawkesgarth Lodge Care Home before he died on February 3, aged 92.

Bryan's son Peter said: "They stayed in touch right the way through their lives.

"To pass away in such a close time is quite poignant.

"They are both going to be sorely missed. They were lovely people."

He added: "My dad was very human. He was open and would speak to anybody. He loved to speak to people. He wouldn't reveal much about himself but always liked to find out about other people."

Bryan's wife Josie passed away in 2009.

Father-of-three and grandfather-of-one Fred joined the Army near the end of World War Two, while Mr Jowsey joined the RAF.

According to Fred's wife Barbara, the pair met up during the war in a desert in Egypt.

The pair were scout masters before they joined the Army and RAF and after the war they set up the St Chad's Greys Scout Band, which is still in existence today. Fred became the group's bandmaster.

After their time with the Army and RAF, they decided to set up Derwent Coachworks.

Barbara said: "Fred was very outgoing and very kind.

"He loved the outdoors and was a keen gardener. He loved walking with the Bishopthorpe walking group."

She says before Bryan's funeral, he and Fred were still together in the same chapel of rest.