LONG-serving Keighley Amateurs member Keith Marsden has been elected president of the society.

He follows in the footsteps of his friend Geoffrey Rundle, who filled the role for many years until his death in October 2012.

Keith has made a huge contribution to local amateur theatre. His first musical was Rio Rita in 1947, where he played one of the comedy leads.

Over the 40 years that followed he appeared in all the annual shows, and in 1965 became the first member of the society to be entrusted with the job of directing.

Along with Geoffrey Rundle, he devised, wrote and appeared in the first of many annual pantomimes which have continued to provide pleasure to Keighley audiences.

KAODS chairman, Louise Hindle-Barton, said “We're delighted to recognise Keith's enormous contribution to the development and continued success of the society.”

Keith said: “I'm proud beyond measure to have been appointed."