P & O secretary was dedicated to industry

By JONATHAN HOLDEN

P & O's company secretary has died suddenly while exercising at a Dover gym.

It is believed John Langford suffered massive heart failure.

The 54-year-old, who lived in Coxhill Gardens, River, was using equipment at the County Hotel in Townwall Street on Sunday afternoon.

His wife Leanne was waiting for him in the swimming pool and, when he did not arrive to meet her, got out to find him.

It is understood Mr Langford was alone when he collapsed. He was pronounced dead at 1.27pm.

A post mortem examination was carried out on Wednesday and Mr Langford is believed to have died of natural causes.

P&O managing director Russ Peters paid tribute to Mr Langford, who had worked in Dover's ferry industry for 33 years. He said: "We are all deeply shocked and saddened by this news. John gave his life and career to the ferry industry and played a major role in the business over the years. His wise counsel and friendship will be sadly missed."

Mr Langford leaves a son Nicholas, 12, and a daughter Julia, 15.

He joined Townsend Car Ferries in 1970, working in the on board banking operation.

He was appointed company secretary of P&O European Ferries in 1992.

Mr Langford headed the company's commercial services department where he was responsible for ensuring it complied with government legislation, as well as managing its insurance matters and property interests.

Mr Langford's funeral will take place next Thursday at Barham Crematorium.

Dover District Council confirmed it had launched a probe in to his death, which is in line with normal procedure.

A spokesman said: "As the enforcing authority for health and safety at the hotel we are investigating the matter - as we would any incident of this nature where the Health and Safety at Work Act applies and we are the enforcing authority."

No one from the County Hotel was, available for comment.