A memorial service is to be held next month on June 18 (not May 18 as previously stated) for a prominent Cornish businessman who died in Thailand at the age of 80.

Michael Anthony Jennings, formerly of Cury, had lived in Thailand for 23 years and was well known in Cornish business circles as the senior organiser in CoSIRA (Council for Small Industries in Rural Areas).

Mike left the council in 1986 and set up his own business helping companies to expand through winning grant funding from the Department of Trade and Industry.

The following year he was joined by Russell Dodge and formed Business Location Services Ltd, which is now in its 30th year of trading and continues today to play a significant role in the Cornish economy.

Mike was also a former director of John K Miln & Co, a financial services company based in Falmouth. Mike emigrated to Thailand in 1995 to pursue business interests in the country.

Mike has been described as "a passionate and talented" businessman, who had a major role in developing the economic base of Cornwall. Many well-known companies in the county today that have become significant employers, benefited from Mike’s enthusiasm and assistance.

Mike died last month and a memorial service will take place at Cury Church on Thursday (June 18) followed by scattering of the ashes at Poldhu Cove.