FORMER team mates have paid tribute to Keighley rugby legend Fred Barrett, who died recently.

Mr Barrett was both a player and a coach at the club and captained the Keighley Rugby League team which reached the final of the Yorkshire Cup in 1951.

He started playing during the Second World War and continued throughout the early post-war years.

To reach the final of the Yorkshire Challenge Cup the Keighley side beat Castleford, Halifax and Hunslet.

The final, on October 27, 1951 was played at Huddersfield's Fartown ground with Keighley taking on Wakefield Trinity. Keighley did well in the first half, but were eventually beaten 17-3.

"Freddy was a superb player who gave everything for the club.

"During his career he played in every position except hooker and you could always rely on him," said former stand-off and winger Ernest Redman.

Freddy went on to coach the club's A team for several years in the early 1950's and was later coach of the first team.

Throughout the following 40 years he continued to support the club through good times and the bad.

In 2000 he lined up with 1951 team mates Len Ward, Ernest Redman and Bob Kelly in a battle to find Keighley's 'Team of the Century'.

During his working life he worked for Dean, Smith & Grace and is survived by a son and daughter.

"He was a superb servant for the Keighley club throughout his life," Mr Redman said.

n Freddy is pictured as club coach (above) in 1958-59 and (below) with 1951 Yorkshire Cup team mates, from left: Len Ward, Ernie Redman, Freddie Barrett and the late Bob Kelly.