A leading figure in Bradford's world-famous textile industry has died after a short illness.

Frank Pilley passed away at Airedale General Hospital on January 20, aged 84.

Mr Pilley was a well-known figure in the district's textile industry during the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, working his way up to become chairman of the inter-lining division at Canal Road-based Stroud Riley and Co.

Widow Glenys, 84, said Mr Pilley, a former chairman of Calverley Round Table, had been a popular figure.

"A lot of people from Bradford's textile trade remembered him,'' she said.

"He was a well-known figure in the city's textile industry. He was recognised as being a very good and capable leader and an extremely nice person.

She added: "We had 59 fantastic years together.''

Calverley-born Mr Pilley attended Woodhouse Grove School before joining the Royal Corps of Transport aged 17 at the onset of the Second World War.

During the conflict he saw active service in Sicily, El Alamein, Tubruk and mainland Italy.

After the war, Mr Pilley returned to Bradford, marrying wife Glenys in Calverley in 1947 and settling in the village.

He then entered the city's textile industry working for Stroud Riley and Moygashel.

He represented the trade and the city of Bradford on several trips abroad, visiting Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

Mr Pilley was also managing director of well-known Worcester-based textile firm Webbs for many years.

During his time in Bradford, he also played a key role in establishing Calverley-based Champion House, working as fundraising chairman for the home launched by the charity Leonard Cheshire in 1967.

Despite his achievements, wife Glenys said he remained a "modest and family-orientated'' man who was proud of his Bradford roots.

Mr Pilley, of Addingham, leaves wife Glenys, son Richard, and grandchildren Catriona, Andrew, George and Mhairi.

A celebration of his life will be held today at St Peter's Church, Addingham at 11.30am. Family flowers and donations to Leonard Cheshire homes or Searchlight, c/o H Eaton and Sons, Ashlands Road, Ilkley.