Leyton Cooper, divisional group buying manager at Chester-based ACF Car Finance, died "suddenly and unexpectedly" at the age of 35 on September 20.

Cooper was a familiar and highly-regarded buyer in the used vehicle retail sector.

He first joined the company 11 years ago as a trainee in its vehicle procurement department having previously worked for seven years as a qualified motor technician.

Leyton's hands-on mechanical knowledge and ability to pinpoint the best and most merchantable used cars for re-sale saw him rise within the company to become its most senior buyer.

David Challinor, managing director of ACF Car Finance parent company The Funding Corporation, said that Leyton would be greatly missed by everyone as a warm and personable character who always lived life to the full.

Leyton had lived for many years in Manchester with his partner Michelle and her daughter. His funeral was held on October 4 in Derbyshire where he grew up.