Last updated at 10:01, Wednesday, 19 December 2012

ONE of Britain’s most prominent businessmen, building tycoon Sir Lawrie Barratt, has died at his home in Corbridge at the age of 85.

Sir Lawrie had never fully recovered from a terrifying ordeal two years ago, when masked raiders armed with crowbars burst into at his home in Byethorne.
Sir Lawrie and his wife Lady Sheila were gagged and tied up, as the three robbers escaped with jewellery worth more than £1m.
In his hey-day, Sir Lawrie was probably the best known builder in Britain, thanks to a high profile television advertising campaign featuring the famous Barratt helicopter.
The chopper, with its oak tree logo, was a familiar sight over Corbridge as it transported Sir Lawrie from his home to business meetings around the country.

First published at 09:59, Wednesday, 19 December 2012
Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk