His legacy will live on: Carpet magnate tributes

Heartfelt tributes have been paid to Mike Smith, the founder of Mike's Carpets, who died aged 79.

- by Dennis Morton

Best known for his memorable Yorkshire Television adverts in the 1980s, the carpet trader became a local icon, warming the hearts of Yorkshire folk for decades.

Mike died on June 17 after a short illness with a heart condition. He was remembered by many as a kind, generous man who always looked out for others.

He began building his empire with a stall in Leeds Kirkgate Market in the 1970s, before opening his flagship store in Armley. He eventually ran 12 outlets across the region.

Batley-born Mike filmed his popular Yorkshire TV adverts from the market before switching to his store in Armley.