Michael Duxbury - whose father Tom founded Keighley joinery giant Magnet - has died aged 71.

He died at Cookridge Hospital, Leeds, on Saturday after a brave five-year battle against illness.

This week older brother Philip paid tribute. He told us: "Despite his ill health, Michael retained a great sense of humour and was always cheerful. He was an inspiration."

Michael Duxbury was born in Bingley but lived at East Morton from the age of just six months.

He joined his father's business after leaving Bingley Grammar School and spent his working life with Magnet, eventually attaining the position of regional sales director.

But as Philip recalls, no special treatment was shown.

He said: "Michael started in the factory when he was just 16 and worked his way up.

"He had to graft like everyone else.

There was certainly no question of any favouritism!"

He retired in 1990, having had just two years away from Magnet - for RAF service - between 1948-50.

Despite moving from East Morton to Menston a decade ago, Michael retained strong links with Morton Congregational Church, where he had worshiped since the 1940s.

He was a life member, deacon and secretary.

In his younger days he was a keen horseman and rally driver.

He was also a founder member of Bingley Lions Club, an ex-president of Bingley Show and a former chairman of Aire Valley Fine Arts.

He had two children with his first wife, Sonia, who died in 1981.

He is survived by his second wife Maureen - whom he married in 1982 - his two children, four step-children, three grandchildren and nine step-grandchildren.

A funeral service will take place at Morton Congregational Church today at 11.30am.