A pioneering consultant surgeon who set up one of Britain's first breast care units has died at the age of 81.

Mike Hudson was born on March 21, 1936. He grew up in London and followed his father, who was a surgeon obstetrician, into medicine.

He trained at St Bartholomew's Hospital in London, worked at the Royal Berkshire and North Middlesex hospitals, before developing an interest in breast cancer on a year's scholarship to America.

In 1975, Mr Hudson joined the North Cambridgeshire Hospital, in Wisbech and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, in King's Lynn, as a consultant surgeon. In 1990 he set up the then revolutionary breast care unit at the QEH.

Mr Hudson set up a multi- disciplinary team which adopted advanced biospy techniques and helped patients on an individual basis.

The QEH's unit and its approach to patient care were both ahead of their time. Today they are common practice.

Colleague of many years Graham Thompson said of Mr Hudson: 'He quickly established himself as a surgeon of sound judgment and skill and was noted for his kindness and thoughtful management.

'Many of his patients are alive today as a result of his thoughtful management and surgical skills, and he will be sadly missed by those who came under his care, his friends and colleagues.'

Mr Hudson was also known on the wards for his Winnie the Pooh bow ties and his humming as he went about his work.

After he retired, he spent time cruising the waterways on his 70ft narrowboat, tried his hand at being a film extra in Stephen Poliakoff's the Lost Prince, which was partly-filmed at Holkham and sharing second wife Sally's interest in history. He also loved cricket, the opera and the Times crossword.

Mr Hudson passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family on May 23.

He leaves his wife, Sally, two sons by his first wife, Anne, four grandchildren and four stepchildren.

His funeral is being held at St Mary's Church, East Rudham, on Friday, June 2 (2pm).

Donations may be made in his memory to the Breast Cancer Development Unit at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, or online here.