Justin Fleming, the man who turned Sussex-based Panorama Holidays into a leading UK brand, has retired.

He has plans to spend more time with his family and hobbies.

One of the first things on the agenda for the 50-year-old multi-millionaire will be to obtain a pilot's licence in order to fly the Spitfire he bought several years ago.

Nick Munday, who has worked with Justin since 1976, has taken over as managing director of Portslade-based Panorama.

Justin said: "I just want to do the things I've always wanted to do but never had the time. I want to be able to fly the Spitfire within two years."

Justin also has plans to devote more time to racing vintage Jaguar D-Types.

But it won't be all play for the former Brighton and Hove Grammar schoolboy.

"I realise I've been very fortunate in life and had many advantages. And so I plan to spend some of my time doing charity work.

"I'll be able to use my administrative skills to help less privileged people."

Justin's links with Panorama go back to 1976 when he joined the organisation as general manager.

Nick Munday joined the same year as financial controller.

The two stayed with the company until 1986, when Justin bought the controlling interest in a company called Young World He also opened Brighton Travel Shop the same year and was joined shortly afterwards by Nick.

Young World grew to the extent that Justin was able to buy the tour operating division of Panorama Holidays.

Justin created a series of specialist products marketed as Experience brands, offering holidays in places such as Ibiza and Tunisia, as well as golfing and skiing holidays.

From 1992 onwards the firm continued to grow. In 1998 Airtours bought the total issued share capital, enabling the company to expand and improve.

Justin said: "There is no doubt I will miss it and the people but I intend to keep busy and not just sit back."