In May 2005, he was installed with full pomp and ceremony.

Months later he would attend the official opening of the multi-million-pound site on the grounds of the former chocolate factory where he worked for more than 30 years and served as a senior union official.

Michael was maintenance convenor and senior employees’ representative when Nestle controversially ended more than 100 years of production in 1996.

The factory was founded by Albert Caley in 1886 and subsequently run by the African Eastern Trade Corporation, the Mackintosh family and Rowntree before it fell into the hands of Nestle.

Seeing the site back in use and employing almost as many people as it did the day the last chocolate bar rolled off the conveyor belt, was a moment Michael savoured.

Michael Banham (Image: Newsquest)

He had been among other previous employees who tirelessly campaigned for the derelict factory to be redeveloped.

He also worked closely with developers Lend Lease to ensure that the legacy of chocolate making is never forgotten in our fine city.

Speaking ahead of the opening, he once said: “People always say to me that they miss the smell of chocolate that came from the factory.

“The closure really affected the city, not just the people who lost their jobs, but also the knock-on effects.

“We tried to do everything we could to save it. We had 3,000 marching through the city, I even went to see Nestle in Switzerland, but there was no persuading them.”

© Norwich Evening News