ALAN FIRMIN, the founder of a successful Kent transport and property business, has died at the age of 87.

Mr Firmin, who lived in Linton, near Maidstone, founded the company that bears his name in the 1930s.

He began with just one lorry and offered services to local farmers and growers.

As the business grew, it won new clients, including BP, Shell and the Royal Opera House which stored scenery at the company’s warehouses in Marden.

Mr Firmin played rugby for Kent and later became chairman of Maidstone Rugby Club. He was also an accomplished rally driver and competed in the Monte Carlo rally in 1953.

He made Kent Messenger headlines in 1992 when he was reunited with his beloved E-type Jaguar less than a month after it was stolen.

After the death of his first wife, Kate, Mr Firmin married Beryl who survives him.

He also leaves two sons, Paul and Ian, who now manage the business, and three grandchildren.