Butcher Fred Green, who died aged 95 last September, left most of his estate to Doncaster Royal Infirmary and Montagu Hospital in South Yorkshire.

Doncaster Royal Infirmary is a big beneficiary

The cash is to benefit the people of Mexborough, near Rotherham, who supported his business over the years.

Mr Green was the driving force behind the butcher's firm Greens of Mexborough.

Mr Green was born into the family pork butcher's business, founded in 1899, and took over in 1930 when his father retired.

He expanded the firm, selling his products to other retailers.

In 1958, he sold out to Associated Dairies and Farm Stores - later to become the giant Asda superstore chain.

Known for sharing wealth

He ignored business advice and took payment in Asda shares.

With his major shareholding, he joined the board and saw Asda's fortunes soar.

Mr Green and his wife Ann were well known for sharing their wealth with their community.

In 1989, he gave £150,000 to Doncaster Children's Hospital, and when the couple celebrated their golden wedding, they donated cash to local good causes.

Doncaster Healthcare NHS Trust Chief Executive Nigel Clifton said: "We are absolutely thrilled.

"It is a magnificent bequest from a most remarkable man."

Despite their wealth, the couple's lives were tinged with tragedy.

Fred's younger brother, Harry, died in a motorcycle accident in 1924. And his only child, Alan, died on New Year's Eve 1942 when his bicycle was hit by a bus.