The founder of Saga Holidays, the company renowned for its holidays for the over-50s, has died at the age of 83.

Sidney de Haan died at his home in Folkestone, Kent, on Saturday, after suffering a heart attack. His wife Margery died in 1994.

Mr de Haan, who started the company in 1951, is widely credited with spotting the potential for marketing services to retired people.

During the 1960s and 1970s, he expanded his holiday brochures to include resorts throughout the UK and Europe.

The Saga Group now arranges holidays in 65 countries worldwide.

Mr de Haan retired as chairman of the group in 1984 and was succeeded by his son Roger.

A year after retiring, Mr de Haan was awarded the OBE for his services to tourism.

Along with financial services, insurance and publishing businesses, the group counts up to two million people over 50 as its customers.

Mr de Haan has two other sons, David and Peter, along with a number of grandchildren.

A private family funeral is planned and the company will hold a memorial celebration at its Saga Pavilion headquarters in Sandgate, Kent.

The firm currently employs more than 2,000 people in Kent and about 3,500 people worldwide.