MICHAEL George Hannides, one of the Greek Cypriot community's most respected members and leading representatives in Southampton, has died aged 90.

It was more than 60 years ago that Mr Hannides, known by many as Uncle George, first established George's Restaurant at St Michael's Street, which still bears his name to this day, and went on to become a well known local landmark.

He was known right across the city and especially in the port where he had many friends among the seamen and dockers.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years Charalambia, 76, and sons George, 47, Peter, 46, Nicolas, 45, Christopher 43, John, 40 and daughter Marica, 39.

Mr Hannides originally came to Southampton from his former home in the Cypriot village of Koma tou Yialou in 1936 with just ten shillings (50p) in his pocket, carpentry as his trade and determined to find work.

At first he did various jobs and was a baker, an ice-cream seller and a vegetable trader - but it was always his ambition to own his own restaurant.

In the years that followed, after realising his dream and becoming a successful restaurateur, it was at Mr Hannides' suggestion that many of the present Greek Cypriot families also made their home and set up businesses in the city.

George's Restaurant quickly gained a strong reputation and on one occasion a Greek millionaire travelled by taxi from the Savoy in London to taste Mr Hannides' spaghetti.

A keen supporter of Southampton charities, especially those connected with pensioners, Mr Hannides celebrated his diamond jubilee of his time in Southampton in 2000 and it was only recently that he stopped his daily visits to the restaurant.

His funeral will take place at the Greek Orthodox Church of St Nicolas in Bernard Street, Southampton on Friday, September 3, at 11.30am.