A LOCAL businessman has died suddenly. Charles Lowe, 78, who ran his building materials and supplies company in London Road, Knebworth, since the 1950s, died on December 20 after suffering a heart attack at his business. Born and bred in Knebworth, Mr Low

A LOCAL businessman has died suddenly.

Charles Lowe, 78, who ran his building materials and supplies company in London Road, Knebworth, since the 1950s, died on December 20 after suffering a heart attack at his business.

Born and bred in Knebworth, Mr Lowe spent his entire life in the village and was well-known over a wide area in the county within the building industry.

"He left school at 14 and had a number of businesses before he started the building business," said son Peter, 55, a director of the business with his brother Kevin, 49.

"He was very well known in the village and spent all his life here and will be buried beside his parents."

The funeral will be at noon next Monday, January 5, at St Martin's Church in Knebworth. Mr Lowe is survived by his wife Marjorie, 76, who lives in Knebworth and sons Peter and Kevin who live in Knebworth and Rabley Heath respectively and daughter Sharon, 47, who lives in Portugal.