PROMINENT local businessman and fundraiser Nas Khan has died suddenly at the age of 58.

The former managing director of the Jennings group died of a suspected heart attack on Wednesday in Stockton.

He sold the company just a few months ago after running it since 2005.

Dr Khan OBE arrived in England as a teenager from Pakistan and unable to speak English at first. He started in the motor industry at 22 and ended up taking over as managing director at Jennings.

He raised tens of thousands of pounds for charity every year, supporting a number of organisations as well as founding his own charity, The Emaan Foundation, which supports disaster relief efforts in Pakistan. He also supported the Great North Air Ambulance and the Salvation Army's Christmas present appeal, as well as other good causes.

North-East England Divisional Commander for the Salvation Army, Major David Burns, said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Nas Khan, former managing director of Jennings Motor Group, on his passing.

"His kindness will be remembered by many in the North East – a fitting tribute to his life.”