Business is alive and kicking for a Cowling-based funeral director, contrary to rumours it was dead and buried.

After word spread that his business had been sold, David Brook, 64, of Sutton, felt the need to place an advert in the Keighley News, laying the myth to rest. He says: "People have just put two and two together and got five, basically. One person saw me cleaning my shop out recently and with the fact that I am getting on a bit age-wise, thought that was it."

Mr Brook, who describes himself as 'a young 64', took over the century-old business, from its previous owner, 32 years ago. He plans to carry on for the foreseeable future.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.