A memorial service is to be held later this month for a businessman who set up a string of companies across Norfolk and Suffolk.

Peter Colby, who was born in Lowestoft and later lived in Wymondham, died on Sunday, January 14, at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital after a period of ill health.

The memorial service will be on Wednesday, February 28, at 11.30am in Wymondham Abbey, with a reception in a marquee in Mr Colby's garden opposite afterwards.

The family is expecting approximately 350 people to attend.

Norwich Evening News: Peter Colby at the Peter Colby Commercials offices in Sprowston in 2001. Peter Colby at the Peter Colby Commercials offices in Sprowston in 2001. (Image: Archant)

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In the early 1970s, Mr Colby started buying and selling trucks and in 1974 set up Peter Colby Commercials.

The company later moved to Wymondham and then Sprowston where it continued to grow and thrive.

The firm built its roots in haulage and vehicle hire through the twin companies of Norfolk Trucks and Collease Truck and Trailer Rentals before gradually diversifying into property and other businesses.

The company - now called St Vincent Holdings - employs 285 people across the UK, the majority in Norfolk and Suffolk.

Norwich Evening News: Lowestoft man Peter Colby set up a company which now employs almost 300 people. Lowestoft man Peter Colby set up a company which now employs almost 300 people. (Image: Supplied by family)

Ten years ago, Mr Colby's campaign to secure a third bridge crossing for Lowestoft.

His unique barrage scheme designed to alleviate congestion and bring business to the area attracted a great deal of media attention and public support.

He campaigned with Labour's parliamentary candidate for Waveney, Bob Blizzard, and drew up plans to build a £30m tidal barrage and road crossing over Lake Lothing in a bid to improve Lowestoft's transport links and stimulate economic growth.

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Outside of work, his main passion was sailing, and from 1999 to 2002, he was commodore of the Royal Norfolk and Suffolk Yacht Club.

Mr Colby was born in Pakefield on February 13, 1942, to George, a herring fisherman, and Beatrice.

As a boy, he attended Alderman Woodrow in Lowestoft.