TRIBUTES have been paid to a highly respected Suffolk businessman and talented sportsman who has died from motor neurone disease at the age of 48.Tony Knight, who served Ipswich Building Society with distinction for more than 20 years, contracted the disease two-and-a-half years ago and lost his fight on March 11.

TRIBUTES have been paid to a highly respected Suffolk businessman and talented sportsman who has died from motor neurone disease at the age of 48.

Tony Knight, who served Ipswich Building Society with distinction for more than 20 years, contracted the disease two-and-a-half years ago and lost his fight on March 11. His funeral is taking place today in Aldeburgh.

Born in Ilford, Mr Knight's family moved to Ipswich in 1971 when his father, Kenneth Knight, was involved in relocating the offices of Willis Faber & Dumas (now Willis), to Suffolk.

Mr Knight was educated at Framlingham College, where he was head boy. He also captained the college's hockey, cricket and rugby sides, going on to captain Ipswich Hockey Club's first XI, and represent the East of England.

Marrying Sue in February 1977, he joined Ipswich Building Society in January 1978 and the following year became the manager of its first branch in Hadleigh. He later became district manager of its east Suffolk branches and was promoted to audit controller in 1989.

Two years later, he became a member of the society's executive committee and was appointed to the board of directors. He continued to work until ill health intervened last year.

Following his death, Sue's brother, Ian Bennett, said the family had been "overwhelmed" by the glowing tributes and kindness shown by so many people.