A well-known former businessman has died after a four-year battle against cancer.

Peter Waddington, who spent all his working life with the same Keighley firm, died in Airedale Hospital on Saturday. He was 65.

He joined Ackroyd & Sons, auctioneers, estate agents and valuers, as an office boy, and rose through its ranks to become partner. He took early retirement several years ago due to ill health.

The old-established firm -- whose offices were in Skipton Road -- specialised in the valuation of licensed premises, and Mr Waddington developed strong links with former Timothy Taylor brewery boss the late Lord Ingrow.

Born in Haworth, Mr Waddington attended the village school and then the old Keighley Boys Grammar.

During his time at the grammar school he took part in an inaugural exchange trip to Munster in Germany where he met Wolfgang Erkens, who was to become a lifelong friend.

Mr Waddington, who never moved away from the Haworth area, was a keen sportsman in his younger days. He enjoyed tennis and squash, played cricket for the West Lane Baptists, and -- until his illness -- was a playing member of Branshaw Golf Club.

He was a former member of the old Haworth and District Round Table and latterly the Haworth 40 and 41 clubs, for ex-tablers.

Other organisations with which he once had connections included the Shirley lodge of the freemasons.

Mr Waddington, who had been married, to Vera, for over 40 years, was also a keen caravanner.

Close friend and former Round Table colleague Brian Thurling told us: "He was a wonderful friend, and loved his family.

"He was conscious of others all the time, hence his involvement with the Round Table.

"Peter was very well known in the town. Because of his work he was very much engaged with breweries, particularly Taylor's, and all the public houses in Keighley would have contact with him. Also, because he dealt with licensing, he had links with the local magistrates' court.

"He will be missed."

Mr Waddington leaves his wife, daughter Kathryn, son Mark and two grandchildren, Jack and Hannah.

A funeral service at St James' Church, Cross Roads, on Monday, 11.30am, will be followed by cremation at Oakworth.