Tributes have been paid to freight supremo Edward Stobart, who helped build up the Eddie Stobart haulage empire.

Mr Stobart, 56, died at University Hospital, Coventry, after suffering heart problems.

Although not involved with today’s Stobart Group business, Edward Stobart was the managing director of Eddie Stobart for more than 30 years.

Mr Stobart lived in Cumbria in his earlier life but moved to the Midlands and lived in Ettington, near Stratford-upon-Avon.

The business was started by his father, Eddie, in the 1950s as an agricultural firm in Cumbria. Eddie Stobart Sr is in his 80s.

The success of the company has ensured that the sight of Stobart trucks trundling up and down British and European motorways has become an unavoidable part of any road trip.

A spokesman for Stobart Group said: “Edward built Eddie Stobart into the iconic brand and business we know today before selling the company to brother William and business partner Andrew Tinkler in 2004.

“William Stobart continues the family involvement in his role as chief operating officer of Stobart Group.

“Our thoughts are with Edward’s wife Mandy, his children and family at this difficult time.”