Tributes paid to creator of After Eights

Brian Sollit joined York firm Rowntree’s in 1954 and worked there until his retirement in 2006.

He became confectioner for the Crème Experimentation division in 1962, where he was asked to come up with a method for wrapping delicate squares of peppermint fondant in dark chocolate.

Mr Sollit was a fan all his life,and last year came out of retirement to make a giant After Eight to mark the mint’s 50th anniversary. He presented it at the Houses of Parliament in one of the “proudest moments of his life”.

A spokeswoman for Nestle Heritage said he would be remembered for his generous spirit, sense of humour, larger-than-life personality, and the money raised for charity though his annual display of Christmas lights.

Mr Sollit is survived by his sister Hazel and nephews Sean and Danny.