A keen local sportsman and former professional rugby player will be missed in Keighley following his death from heart and lung problems on Sunday.

Stanley Welch, 72, of Granby Drive in Riddlesden, had a long and varied interest in sport.

A one-time winger on the books of Batley Rugby League Club, Mr Stanley played a number of first team games in the seasons of 1955-6 and 1956-7.

His son Nigel said: "He was a very keen sportsman all his life and, through different phases of his life, he enjoyed many different sports.

"From the rugby he went on to sprinting with Bingley Harriers, he enjoyed tennis and went on to play cricket with Riddlesden Cricket Club.

"He was the captain and also the president of Riddlesden Golf Club and in later years he took up crown green bowling."

He worked as a clerk on the railway before being called up for 18 months of national service with the RAF.

Mr Welch worked for the housing department in Shipley before being promoted to the position of Keighley's chief director of cleansing in 1958.

In 1974 he was transferred to Bradford Council but took early retirement shortly after due to bad health.

Married in 1955, Mr Welch leaves a widow Shirley and his son Nigel.

Mr Welch's funeral service will be held tomorrow at 11.15am at St Mary's Church in Riddlesden, and at Oakworth Crematorium at 12.15pm.