From the late 1950s to the mid-1980s, Alan Gordon Ebbage left his mark in the city with an ability to recognise business opportunities and maximize their potential.

He loved a challenge and that passion lent itself to his bold and innovative marketing style, making his name widely known across sale boards outside houses.

Born on September 28, 1922 at Caernarvon Road, Norwich, he was the youngest of seven children.

He attended Avenues Primary School, then City of Norwich School, but left aged 14 as he wanted to start earning money.

His parents, Lily and Arthur, were not pleased but Alan quickly gained the position of office boy at shoe manufacturers, Bally & Haldenstein. He worked from 8am to 6pm and was paid 10 shillings a week.

Bally's shoe factory in May 1959 (Image: Newsquest)

Intending to become a newspaper reporter, he persuaded his parents to let him study shorthand typing.

At Martin’s Business School, he was the single boy in a class of thirty girls and was teased constantly. Nevertheless, he worked hard and passed with distinction.

In 1940, aged 18, he became the first man to sign up for Norwich’s newly-formed Auxiliary Force.

With invasion by the Nazis expected, the "Stay at Homes” - as they were known – were one of the first in the line of defence. Their aim was to slow down the invading force.

The small team was trained in sabotage and spent months living secretly in Marston chalk pits, near Eaton.

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© Eastern Daily Press