A Swindon manufacturing company's workers have paid tribute to its dedicated owner of 37 years by crafting a steel coffin for his funeral.

Barry Nugent, who helped set up Stainless Design Services and ran the manufacturing business, died of pancreatic cancer on November 14.

His wife Sue said his business was his life so she asked the company’s employees if they would help her with this special gesture to honour her husband’s memory.

Sue, who also helps run the business, said: “Barry worked hard to create his vision all his life.

“He just loved what he created so that’s why I thought the tribute to make him a stainless coffin was so fitting.

“It was in his blood. He never thought about retiring because he just had that passion and drive.

“He was just very modest and private and down-to-earth.

“He was very proud of his British roots and that’s reflected in the business where everything is sourced and manufactured in Britain.

“Because Barry enjoyed his work so much I will carry it on because it’s his legacy.”

He also loved spending time with his wife and two daughters, and travelling to Ireland.

Barry was born in Preston an, after leaving school at 15, became a welder. But he later moved to Swindon to take up a position as a manager.

He founded Stainless Design Services on December 15, 1983 with Michael Bishop and Peter Green.

Barry's funeral was held exactly 38 years later.

The business specialises in making stainless steel sanitary ware, washroom, catering and hospital equipment for prisons, pubs, restaurants and hospitals.

Aged 37 and shortly after setting up the business, he met Sue at a nightclub in town and, on that first encounter he told her he was going to marry her one day.

They went on their first date in the Brewers Arms in Wanborough and Sue said: “The rest is history”.

They were married for almost 37 years.

She added: “They were really happy years. We had similar mindsets so we travelled all over the world and we were both driven by business.”

Barry used to enjoy watching Sue’s brother Charlie Henry play for Swindon Town

Sue remembers fondly watching a Swindon match with Barry in 1985 when her brother scored a hat-trick against her husband's home team Preston North End.

She laughed: “He was supporting Preston, but of course he wanted my brother to do well so it was a bit tricky for him.”

Sue now plans to continue his life’s work.

She added: “He would always treat everyone the same whatever job they were doing.

“Most of our employees have stuck with the business for years which just shows how loyal they are to him and I don’t see them leaving.”

The former Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire Angus Macpherson, used to work for the company. As a result Barry would often help Angus out with his charity work behind the scenes.