Maurice Banwell, one of the UK’s foremost top-fruit advisers known throughout the fruit-growing world, has died aged 83.

Long-time colleague Alan Todd MBE said: “A consultant for 50 years, he had a sound practical background and firm convictions. He also had the courage to give his views. He was still working almost up to the end of his life. He had worked his way up from the grass roots of the industry and always had a warm welcoming manner with everyone he met. This endeared him to colleagues and clients alike.

Maurice travelled widely and had contacts in New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Canada. Many of them came to the UK on visits he arranged.

Maurice had a long career which included taking a diploma course at the Royal Horticultural Society, Wisley; experience on a nursery in Hertfordshire; and as farm manager and adviser at the National Fruit Trials, Brogdale.

He joined the ministry of agriculture’s national agricultural advisory service in Norfolk in 1937, where he worked until 1963 before becoming assistant regional fruit adviser under the renowned FA Roach. He left in 1971 to work for the Mount Group in Kent for seven years, before setting up his own consultancy in 1978, which became well known for its early work on frost protection through irrigation.

Although he reduced his workload over the past decade, many supporters and colleagues will remember him as a top-fruit judge at the National Fruit Show right up to last year.

FPJ would like to offer its condolences to Maurice's family and friends.