The former managing director of Bradford-based supermarket giant Morrisons has left an estate worth more than £2 million.

John Dowd, of Harden, Bingley, died in March 2002 after he lost his fight against cancer. He was 58. His will was revealed to be worth £2,569,464 net.

A well-known figure in Harden, Mr Dowd opened the annual village horticultural show in 2000.

Horticultural society secretary Geoff Lister said they were delighted to have had his support.

"He also came along to our annual dinner where he gave a very amusing talk about his horticultural ambitions," he said.

"He was easy to get on with and didn't talk about business although he was obviously a very successful businessman."

Mr Dowd worked for Morrisons for nearly 30 years. He joined in 1972 as a personnel director and took over as managing director in 1997.

He was credited with taking the company forward and giving it a 'street-fighting' approach to pricing wars.

A statement from the store at the time of his death said Mr Dowd would be dearly missed.

"John made a significant contribution to the company's development and success over the years, making many friends among his colleagues in the industry," it said.

Mr Dowd, who died at Manorlands cancer-care hospice in Oxenhope, left wife Pauline, sons Paul and Simon and several grandchildren.