LADY Sheila Butlin, widower of Sir Billy Butlin who founded Minehead's major tourist attraction, has died aged 89.

Lady Butlin died peacefully in her home in Jersey on Saturday, January 30.

Sir Billy opened his first holiday camp in 1936, with the Minehead resort being opened in 1962. It is now a multi-million pound leisure industry.

Butlins released a statement featuring a quote from Sir Billy saying: “With Sheila I have been happier than at any other time in my life. One of the greatest compliments I can pay her is to say that without her love, companionship and help, I would never have retired.”