KEIGHLEY man “Pearly” Bob Mitchell  has died only weeks after a benefit night was held in his honour.

Friends gathered on Boxing Day to raise money for adaptations to his Brontë Drive home.

The former nightclub owner and truck driver had been fighting various forms of cancer for more than 12 months and had undergone three separate operations.

Friend Mick McGuinnes said the proceeds of the Boxing Day fundraising event would instead be spent on Mr Mitchell’s funeral, due to be held tomorrow at the New Variety Club.