A WELL-KNOWN North Yorkshire businessman who became head of the largest farm machinery dealership in the county has died aged 64.

Paul Seward, born in Bishopthorpe, York, set up in business after a five-year apprenticeship with Kay and Blackhouse, agricultural engineers based at Foss Bridge, York.

He had been a member of the Bishopthorpe Skid Kids, who practised cycle scrambling on fields between Terry's and the Ouse, and with a friend, Alan Catterick, he started carrying out bike repairs.

By 1960 they had a full-time business, and in 1962 they took on a third man, Jim Chapman, as a partner and set up an agricultural machinery business on a one-acre site outside the village. The company was soon appointed sub-dealers for Massey Ferguson and David Brown tractors, and by 1970 had become main dealers for International Harvesters.

In 1962, he married his wife, Lib, in Bishopthorpe.

Paul identified a niche in the market for agricultural machinery hire, and from the original Paul Seward and Company, developed his businesses over the years to include Seward Turf Maintenance and Seward Agricultural Machinery.

By 1983, Paul had responsibility for seven companies with 11 branches covering Humberside, Yorkshire and Northumberland.

He sponsored York motorcycle sidecar racer Steve Webster, through to Steve's first world championship.

He also became a governor of Bishop Burton College.

Paul became treasurer and trustee of the Yorkshire Museum of Farming, and encouraged colleague David Thirlwall, to build a replica Roman fort to enable children to re-enact a day in the life of a Roman soldier.

He enjoyed hill walking and travelling, but was committed to his work.

Paul leaves a widow, Lib, son, Michael, daughter, Katie and grandchildren, Max and Keeley.

Updated: 09:29 Friday, March 28, 2003