A “tireless” community figure who pioneered and served many organisations has died at the age of 88.

Tributes have been coming in from community organisations and residents for Geoffrey Vere MBE, of Kings Road, Ilkley, who died in hospital last week following a short illness.

Mr Vere was the driving force behind the development of Ilkley Good Neighbours Scheme, which helps to improve the lives of vulnerable members of the community.

Born in Keighley, Mr Vere attended Keighley Grammar School. During the Second World War he became a radio officer in the Merchant Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary for more than four years, ending with the rank of chief radio officer.

After working at Peter Black Ltd for six months, he trained as a chiropodist, set up practice in Ilkley and later become a fellow of the Faculty of Podiatric Medicine.

Mr Vere joined the Round Table, and through his contact with elderly people, started Ilkley Senior Citizens’ Club.

He is also widely known for designing the Clarke Foley Centre in Ilkley, of which he was founder chairman.

He leaves his wife, Rosemary, and daughter, Annabel, son-in-law, Mark, and grandson, Andrew.