PILKINGTON have led the tributes to the company's former chairman, Sir Antony Pilkington, who died on Friday, September 22.

A spokesman for the company said: "Everyone at Pilkington is aware of the contribution Sir Antony made to the development of the company over such a long career. His role in the expansion of Pilkington globally was particulary significant."

Sir Antony, who was celebrating 40 years of marriage to Lady Kirsty this year, leaves three sons and a daughter. He joined Pilkington plc in 1959 in export flat glass sales and was appointed Flat Glass Division marketing manager in 1967.

From 1970 to 1971 he was head of the Marketing Planning Department and he became joint manager director of the Flat Glass Division in 1972.

Sir Antony, who was knighted in 1990, became an executive director of what was then Pilkington Brothers in 1973 and he retained the title until he left the company in 1995. He was deputy chairman of the company between 1979 and 1980 and chairman of what had become Pilkington plc from 1980-1995.

As well as his involvement with Pilkington, Sir Antony played a major role with local industry and other organisations.

He was chairman of the Community of St Helens Trust between 1978 and 1995 and deputy chairman of the North West Business Leadership Team between 1988 and 1995.

Up until his death Sir Antony, who listed his interests as sailing, shooting and travel, was chairman of St Helens Housing Association, chairman of the World of Glass, governor of Liverpool John Moores University, president of St Helens Chamber of Commerce, Training and Enterprise and president of Grange Park Golf Club.

St Helens Council's chief executive, Carole Hudson, paid tribute to Sir Antony, who she described as an "incredible supporter" of the town and its residents.

She said: "Sir Antony was personally responsible for so many business initiatives across the borough including the ground-breaking St Helens Trust and the Small Business Service.

"I know he worked tirelessly and quietly to bring about many economic initiatives across our borough and had a genuine interest and concern about the people of the town.

"He was a great entrepreneur and was particularly active in bringing about the World of Glass as he wanted the people of the borough to have a special legacy from the glassmaking industry which, along with coal, was instrumental in shaping the St Helens of today. He will be greatly missed by many."

A private family funeral service was held for Sir Antony on Tuesday, September 26.