The man whose bakery supplied the people of Eton and its famous college with cakes for special occasions over many years has died aged 78.

Michael Cadwallader took over Eton's bakery in 1979 after moving to the town with his wife Monaliza and their two children.

The town gained a great asset. Michael was an active member of the National Association of Master Bakers and its chairman for two years.

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His Eton shop - renamed Michael's Bakery - was soon renowned for his hand-piped special occasion and wedding cakes.

He was also an active member of the community and served on the St. Augustine’s Church Council, the Eton Trader’s Association, the Baldwin’s Bridge Trust, Eton Poor Estate and the Eton Town Council for many years.

He could often be seen ‘racing’ the streets of Eton on his not-so-trusty scooter with a smile on his face.

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He was born in Harrow on the Hill and initially trained as an electrical engineer - going on to sell industrial ovens. This led to his long career in baking, commencing with work at United Bakeries where he met his wife Monaliza.

He was diagnosed in 1995 with cancer, a blood disorder called plasma cytoma which increased to multiple myeloma - presently an incurable disease.

He fought it relentlessly, taking part in the Windsor 10k Marathon (being pushed in his wheelchair by his son Michael) in 2005 to raise funds for Myeloma UK.

He died at Thames Hospice in Windsor on Friday - leaving Monaliza, his son Michael, daughter Michelle and four grandchildren.