Tributes have been paid to Bill Laidlaw, sales director with SeaFrance, who has lost his battle with cancer.

Mr Laidlaw, 63, had been suffering from leukaemia. He was taken into hospital with an infection at the weekend and died on Sunday night.

Mr Laidlaw had worked in the shipping industry for 44 years, starting with P&O Cruises.

He then transferred to P&O Ferries where he began with the company as office boy. By the time he left the company 18 years later, he held the position of sales and marketing director. He then spent 10 years as managing director of Sealink Newhaven-Dieppe Ferries.

In July, 1995, he was approached by SeaFrance to help set up the UK arm of the company. He spent the last 15 years as the SeaFrance sales director, thoroughly happy to be working in the industry which he loved.

He was a larger than life figure, who was well-known and highly respected throughout the travel industry.

SeaFrance managing director Robin Wilkins said: "Bill has made a great contribution wherever he has worked, but nowhere more so than at SeaFrance.

"He was the original employee (staff no: 001) and with his drive and enthusiasm, played a vital role in building the company. As my co-director, running mate, confidant and all round safe pair of hands, I have valued Bill's contribution more than anyone.

"Driven and enthusiastic, passionate about the business and the industry, and always willing to get stuck in, I could not have wished for a more valuable colleague.

"His death came as a shock to us all and he leaves a gap which can never be filled. Our thoughts and condolences go out to his wife Jean and the family at this difficult time."