The founder of leading Northern Ireland engineering firm, FG Wilson has died at the age of 84.

Fred Wilson founded the company in 1966, starting with just six employees.

The Larne-based firm grew into one of the world’s biggest suppliers of electrical generators.

Mr Wilson sold the company in 1995 and retired in 1999. Within a year, however, he began to design and manufacture a range of golf buggies.

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"His vision and enterprise have left a strong legacy at this company," said FG Wilson Managing Director, Mark Sweeney.

"On behalf of the management and staff of FG Wilson, I extend my deepest condolences to Fred's family."

The father-of-four was last year awarded an OBE for his contribution to entrepreneurship and engineering.

Mr Wilson's funeral will take place on Thursday in Hillsborough, Co Down.

(NS/GK)