A HAMPSHIRE businessman who ran an independent garden centre in Winchester has died aged 84.

Dennis Sparkes with his wife Betty owned the centre behind the shops in Oliver’s Battery Road for more than 30 years before they retired in 2009.

Southampton-born, Mr Sparkes, pictured, moved to Winchester when he was a boy, living in St Catherine’s Road, Highcliffe.

He is survived by his widow Betty, son Christopher, a granddaughter and three great grandchildren.

The funeral will take place on November 5 at Basingstoke Crematorium at 4.15pm followed by a gathering of family and friends at the Holiday Inn, Morn Hill.