An amateur dramatics stalwart who made the role of panto dame his own has died while on holiday in India.

David Webb died last week of a suspected heart attack while on holiday in the resort of Goa. He was 59.

Colleagues this week paid tribute to the man whose outrageous performances as dame became well known to Keighley audiences.

After moving to Keighley in the sixties he joined Keighley Amateurs and then went on to work with Keighley Playhouse.

As well as playing the dame in pantos such as Aladdin he also took on the role of actor and stage director.

He also produced plays such as Gaslight and Count Dracula during his time with the Playhouse.

Chairman of Keighley Playhouse Joan Whitley recalled: "He made a tremendous job of lighting and stage effects, particularly on productions like Count Dracula, and he really was quite outstanding as an actor in productions like Absurd Person Singular.

"He had ever such a dry sense of humour and could always make you laugh. He will be very much missed."

Playhouse members observed a minute's silence at their annual dinner at the weekend as a mark of respect.

Born in the village of Chalford in Gloucester, David moved to Keighley in 1965 and married Wendy a year later.

He worked as a sales representative for a number of Keighley companies including Cyprane before joining Dalesway Nursing Services as an area co-ordinator.

His interest in civil aviation led him to his final job as a member of the security staff at Leeds-Bradford Airport.

He also moved from his home in Laycock to a house in Guiseley to be closer to his new place of work.

Details of his funeral are still to be arranged by his family. He is survived by former wife Wendy and sons David and Matthew.