FORMER Keighley rugby star Melvyn Smith collapsed and died suddenly while working at the Glusburn factory of Ellison Circlips.

In his youth Melvyn, who lived in Haworth, was a talented athlete, representing Bingley Harriers. As a schoolboy sprinter he smashed all the exisiting records from 100 yards to half-mile.

After showing great promise at Ingrow Junior School he attended Keighley Grammar School and some of the times he set have only recently been beaten. He was also an outstanding member of the school rugby XV.

He became the English Amateur Athletics junior sprint champion and was presented with his medal by Lord Louis Mountbatten.

He later played amateur rugby for Keighley Albion before joining the town's professional club.

He made his debut for Keighley against Leeds in February 1961 and in the 1961-62 season ran in a total of 24 tries -- just six short of Joe Sherburn's record which stood from the 1934-35 season until Nick Pinkney scored 45 in the 1994-95 season.

He continued playing with Keighley until 1965 when he joined Bradford Northern. In his five year career at Lawkholme Lane he had made a total of 107 appearances, scored 59 tries and scored a total of 177 points for his home town club.

After marrying his wife, Vera, he retained a keen interest in sport and maintained a high level of fitness. Until his death Mel and his wife jogged together three times a week.

They also worked together at Ellison's where he collapsed and died after suffering a heart attack.

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