Tributes have been paid to a well-known High Wycombe businessman, whose career spanned six decades, after he sadly died on New Year’s Day.

Jack Needham passed away in Miami aged 88.

The businessman, who was born on January 9, 1931, was well-known in High Wycombe for creating different businesses, jobs and homes.

He owned the Needham Bowl, part of the Needham group of companies, in Desborough Road in the 1960s – a bingo and snooker hall that provided entertainment including music gigs and bowling.

The Needham Bowl was on the same site as the Chiltern Rooms, which later opened in 1972.

The Needham Bingo and Social Club closed its doors in 2006 - but at its peak, was attracting up to 700 people there a night.

A moving tribute posted to an online memorial page said Jack’s legacy is something his family should be proud of.

It reads: “Jack, you have achieved so much for this area spanning over six decades and in that time you created businesses, jobs and homes.

“Your decisions brought enjoyment into people's lives whether it was pensioners that enjoyed a game of bingo, people playing a game of snooker after work in your club or families popping into the Beanie World shop to add to their soft toy collections and these are only a few examples.

“This is a legacy for the family to be proud of.”

Jack’s funeral is set to be held in the Milton Chapel at the Chilterns Crematorium in Amersham on Monday, February 10, at 1.45pm.

Jack’s family have requested no flowers – but donations can be made to the British Heart Foundation.

Send your tributes to stephanie.wareham@newsquest.co.uk.