Workers wanted to commemorate his life and achievements and bought a wooden bench which now overlooks a private garden at the rear of the Mallison Street factory.

Mr Pilling took over the running of the laundry and house products manufacturing business from his father in 1956. His son Brandon, the present managing director, said today: "This is a very touching mark of respect from the staff. My father loved the garden, which is a memorial to my grandfather.

"He was always keen to retain a little horticultural haven within the factory grounds."

Staff members and Brandon Pilling, centre, are pictured with the bench.