AWARD-winning and widely respected Poole baker Anthony 'Tony' Bennett died at home on May 14, aged 79.

Mr Bennett was born in Launceston, Cornwall, in 1935, the only son to Claude and Winifred Bennett. He was very close to his parents.

The family moved to Paignton in Devon where Mr Bennett's father began his first bakery business, but later they decided to move to Poole after taking a holiday in the town.

Mr Bennett attended Southampton Bakery College in Swaythling before starting work at the family firm in Britannia Road, Parkstone, in 1949. He eventually came to take over the business at the age of 40 when his father retired due to ill health.

From his earliest days in baking he won many awards for his trade, particularly for cake decoration, and he received more than 500 prestigious trophies over the course of his career.

He built the business up to encompass 12 outlets around the county.

The firm received a royal honour in 1986 when they were commissioned to create a cake for the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of York.

Standing more than seven feet in height, and bearing the symbols of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the colossal confection was prepared by Mr Bennett's sons Mark and David under his supervision.

The family business was one of Mr Bennett's great passions, but outside of work he could be found on the bowling green at the Wessex Bowling Club.

He played bowls for the county alongside his father and his son David, and went on to become president of the Dorset Bowling Association.

An equally enthusiastic snooker player he made many friends at the Lower Parkstone Conservative Club, where he also served as club president for a time.

In 1957, Mr Bennett met his future wife Margaret Rose Herridge while they were dancing at the Chatsworth Ballroom in Boscombe.

They married the same year and shared 58 years together, enjoying the fruits of their hard work.

As well as a home in Sandbanks, which won the Poole Pride of Place Award in 1991, they took many trips abroad to exotic locations including Australia, Barbados, Dubai, South Africa and Monte Carlo.

Mr Bennett leaves his children David, Suzie and Mark, and his eight grandchildren.

A funeral service was held yesterday at St Peter's Church, Parkstone.