Tributes have been paid to a Bath businessman who has died just nine weeks after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Richard Barson, who was the founder of the Bloomsbury shops, had gone to see his GP worried about headaches he was suffering.

Fellow businesspeople this week praised the creativity and drive of the 46-year-old father of two.

He was born in Kent and studied at the London School of Economics, before starting work for a Japanese bank.

He quickly realised that his heart was not in the financial world so decided to move into retail and set up his first two Bloomsbury shops in Canterbury with his partner Hilary.

The couple then decided to expand their business to Bath and, after falling in love with the city, decided to move. They opened the Bloomsbury gift shop in New Bond Street in the 1990s, followed by a jewellery shop in Quiet Street in 2002.

Both Bath shops proved a success, winning a number of industry awards, and the business expanded once again with the recent opening of a Bloomsbury shop in Cabot Circus in Bristol.

Mr Barson, who would frequently fly around the world to source new stock, had a keen interest in collecting old books, and enjoyed food and drink, spending time with his friends, reading, cycling and basketball.

But his real passion in life was his family, especially his partner of around 20 years Hilary, and their two young boys, James, nine, and Felix, six. Friends said Mr Barson liked nothing better than to take the family on days out, particularly finding small village fetes where they could play games.

Mr Barson spent the last few days of his life at the Dorothy House hospice. His funeral took place at St Michael's Without in Broad Street on Monday, followed by a private cremation.

As well as his partner and two children, he leaves behind his mother Diana and sister Fran.

Steve McMullen, from McMullen Commercial, acted as Mr Barson's property consultant.

He said: "I was so sorry to hear about Richard's sudden death. I will miss him and working with him as his retained property consultant.

"I first met Richard when he signed a lease of the shop in New Bond Street to trade as Bloomsbury. I was marketing the shop on behalf of the council and Richard submitted an offer.

"The council and I were so impressed with him as a person and with his vision for the store that the council let Richard have the store, even though there were strong bids from other household names.

"Looking back, it was absolutely the right decision and it's been a real pleasure to see how Bloomsbury has developed as a result of Richard's innovation, enthusiasm and expertise.

"It wasn't just Richard's business acumen that was impressive. He was also a great person and he will be sorely missed."

Nicky Hancock, from Bath PR firm Hancock Communications, said: "I know everyone in the business community in Bath had huge respect for Richard's creativity and eye for buying.

"He was always such a pleasure to deal with. Always polite and friendly. It is a tragic loss and my heart goes out to his family."

Mr Barson's friends have now organised a charity cycle ride in his memory to raise money for Dorothy House and the charity Brain Tumour Research.

It will take place on Sunday, October 10, starting at Bloomsbury in New Bond Street at noon and finishing at the store in Cabot Circus.

Riders will follow the 13-mile route along the old railway line and people are invited to take part if they would like to show their support for the two charities.

People can pick up a sponsorship form from either of the two shops or contact liza@bloomsburystore.com for more details.

There will be collection tins in all the shops and people can donate money by going to www.justgiving.com/bloomsburyshoptoshoptour.