Allan Harrison, the well-known coordinator of Keighley Community Transport, has died after an 18-month battle against cancer.

Mr Harrison ran the charity for more than 10 years and built it into an organisation providing minibuses for more than 200 local groups.

Community Transport chairman Brian Hudson this week paid tribute to Mr Harrison and said that the eight-vehicle fleet stood as testament to his hard work.

Mr Hudson adds: "Allan cared over and above his job. He cared about people and tried to ensure no group in Keighley was without transport. He made a lot of friends.

"There's been an active committee but Allan was the lynchpin.

"We're like a ship without a rudder at the moment. It's very hard."

Mr Harrison, 44, was a coach driver for a number of years before joining Community Transport, and was a keen cyclist.

Originally from Bradford, he moved to Riddlesden several years ago with his wife Irene and remained a staunch supporter of the Bradford Bulls rugby league team.

Community Transport provides minibuses during the day, evening and weekends for a range of community and voluntary organisations supporting children, disabled people and the elderly.

Mr Harrison's role also included overseeing the Safe Rider bus service for local women.

In a special KN feature some years ago Allan said he would settle for the slogan " We're Smiles Better" for the KCT, a registered charity, and the hiring out of vehicles is totally non-profit making.

Earlier this year KCT appealed to Bradford Council to re-instate its grant after the council turned down its original 199/2000 application.

The council agreed to give a grant - still £3000 less than the £19,000 the charity had asked for.

The money was earmarked for office costs and Allan's salary

Allan often spoke out about what he saw as an unfair distribution of funds to Keighley. I'm very much a Keighley man and I think Keighley tends to be forgotten. Care in community is great but it falls flat without transport."

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