Paul Dye's funeral will be held on Friday 16th February 1.20pm at Barham Crematorium , Canterbury Rd, Barham, Canterbury, Kent CT4 6QU (Tel: 01227 831351 ).

Then for those who would like to come on after to The Gate Inn around 3pm, Church Lane, Marshside, Canterbury, Kent CT3 4EB (Tel: 01227 860498).

GTN Xtra received the sad news that Paul Dye lost his battle with cancer age 55.

We first met Paul when he was at Polhill, Sevenoaks and latterly after a spell as a regional manager with The Garden Centre Group (now Wyevale Garden Centres) Paul spent the past few years working with Edward Boults Grovewell Garden Centre teams at Canterbury, Tenterden and Folkestone.  Paul has been a great friend of GTN over the years and he will be sorely missed. We send our condolences to his family.

Colin Wetherley-Mein told GTN Xtra: "The trade has lost a very good person. Paul was one of the nice guys. He faced his illness with the same courage, integrity and honesty that reflected his work and friendships. He was a very knowledgeable and enthusiastic person, who always had time for you.

"He will be sadly missed and our thoughts are with his wife Angela and their family."

Ed Boult sent us this statement from Grovewell Garden Centres: "The very recent passing of Paul Dye is not only a loss of a friend, but an extremely sad loss for us as a business and for the industry as a whole. Paul’s plant and industry knowledge was exceptional; in fact, I would go so far as to say he was the best plant buyer I’ve ever known and had the pleasure of working with.

"A fantastic asset and support to Grovewell, his firm and fair management style helped push the business forward. A real gentleman with exceptional commitment, Paul Dye will be sorely missed by my teams, our customers and myself."

We will update this story and republish as soon as further details are available.  In the meantime, please use the comments link below or e-mail trevor.pfeiffer@tgcmc.co.uk if you would like to add to this story.