TONY Coward, one of the last surviving chocolatiers from York’s Terry’s-Rowntree era, has died from cancer, aged 81.

Mr Coward, of Huntington, worked at the former Terry’s factory in Bishopthorpe Road for 30 years until retirement.

Close friend John Richardson said that as works director, he played an integral part in the confectionery boom of the 20th century.

“Internationally acclaimed brands like All Gold and the famed Chocolate Orange - market leaders synonymous with the history of York chocolate - were among his favourites,” he said.

“It was not unknown for Tony on his Continental holidays to drop in at sweet shops in a resort to check that the Terry’s sales staff were properly working the European market.

“But his life had many more segments than a Chocolate Orange. In retirement, he became a member of the Government’s Industrial Tribunal panel, also finding time to strengthen his faith and study to become a licensed Reader.

“In the weeks before dying at St Leonard’s Hospice, he was still able to lead prayers at his parish church, All Saints, Huntington, a role in the ministry he shared with his wife Celia for many years.”

Mr Richardson said Mr Coward joined Terry’s in 1964 almost by chance, replying to an unnamed box number in a national newspaper, with no idea what job was on offer or where he would be based.

He said Mr Coward was a former Master of the Guild of Merchant Taylors and a long-time member of Fulford Golf Club. “In 1982, he completed the London Marathon at the age of 45 to raise £3,500 for the first ever church organ at Warthill.”

*There will be a thanksgiving service at 2.45pm on Friday at All Saint’s, Huntington, following a private family cremation.