David Austin Roses chair dies aged 67 from rare brain disease

• David J.C. Austin, the chair of David Austin Roses, has died at the age of 67 after being diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, a rare neurological disorder.
• Tributes are being led by Gardeners' World presenter Monty Don, who praised Mr Austin's legacy of "millions of exquisite roses".
• Mr Austin joined the family business in 1990, following his father, and led it for over 30 years, transforming it from a specialist nursery into a globally recognised name.
• His children described him as "first and foremost, a gardener" who carried his grandfather's vision with humility and an unwavering sense of responsibility.
• The company said it will continue under its current leadership team, working with the next generation of the Austin family.

IN FULL

Gardeners’ World presenter Monty Don leads tributes after death of rose-growing legend