Grieving friends and neighbours of a man who died after being attacked in his Shipley home are to plant a tree in his memory.

The memorial will be placed close to the spot where Bryan Smith, of Rochester Street, Windhill, was beaten and robbed on New Year's Day.

Mr Smith died in Bradford Royal Infirmary six days later, after suffering a massive blood clot on his brain.

Today relatives of the 41-year-old former Ilkley and Otley man said they were touched by the plans for the tree - and said it was testimony to the number of friends he had in the area.

The idea for#the memorial was suggested by Councillor Phillip Thornton (Lab, Shipley East), who said the whole community of Shipley had been devastated by Mr Smith's death. Coun Thornton plans to write to residents in the area, letting them know about the memorial ceremony.

"Bryan was a pillar of this community, I think it would be good for him to have this kind of tribute paid to him," said Coun Thornton. "I came to know him because he lived in my constituency. I think it was the same with many people round here - it was as though he was everybody's friend, he was a great guy."

He used to help the old people with their shopping, and talked to absolutely everybody - in fact, I wander how he ever got where he was going because he talked to so many people on the way."

Angela Dunn was a close friend of Bryan's for 16 years. She said she would remember him as a "happy man" who was adored by many people.

"This should not have happened to him. Bryan loved life," she said. "He was a right good lad who was loved by everybody, especially the children round here.

"I think what Councillor Thornton has done is brilliant because it will ensure no-one forgets Bryan. The ceremony will be a chance for the people of Shipley to pay their respects."

Martin Smith, Bryan's brother, said he believed the tree and memorial plaque would be a fitting tribute.

"I think this gesture is marvellous," he said. "It is a wonderful mark of respect from everyone in that community."

And Bryan's mum Eileen, 69, said she was overwhelmed by the messages of support and condolence the family had received. "The tree memorial is a lovely idea. It shows how much they thought about him and how much they respected him - it has really touched me."

Coun Thornton said he would send letters to residents in the area to let them know about the tree planting, which has been provisionally arranged for Sunday February 3, at 11.45am.