A prominent Norfolk businessman has died following a battle with cancer.

Eastern Daily Press: Basil Todd at Billingford Lakes.Basil Todd at Billingford Lakes. (Image: ©Archant Photographic 2010)

Basil Todd had traded in Dereham since 1980 and owned several businesses within the Breckland and Broadland districts, employing more than 100 people.

Mr Todd died peacefully at his home in Welborne four days before his 74th birthday, surrounded by his family.

Tributes have flooded in to Mr Todd's family.

Mr Todd was also involved with Billingford Football Club, whose officials plan to host an annual tournament in his memory.

A statement on the Billingford website, said: 'The club is very thankful of this man for all he has done for us and he will never be forgotten. Billingford will from now on host a tournament in Basil Todd's honour every season. R.I.P Basil Todd.'

Mr Todd's businesses included Wensum Valley Hotel Golf and Country Club, Mattishall Golf Club, Billingford Lakes and several businesses on Norwich Street, Dereham.

He had recently bought the Palmers building, on Norwich Street, Dereham, and was planning a £2m transformation of the site into his own department store, called Chattels,

In June he purchased the Mid Norfolk Shooting Ground.

Mr Todd recently passed the running of his businesses over to his daughter Bridgette, who has worked with him for 25 years. She looks forward to continuing and building on her father's success.

Mr Todd will be missed by his wife Christine, daughters Deborah and Bridgette, Deborah's partner Edward and Bridgette's husband Chris and grandchildren Charles, James, William, Danielle and Olivia.