Keighley’s deputy mayor has announced his resignation with immediate effect.

Lionel Lockley had been a town councillor for eight years, but was only formally made deputy mayor in May.

He said he was saddened to be leaving the council, adding his departure was for “personal reasons”. He also said he feels he does not have anything more to give Keighley Town Council.

Town clerk, Miggy Bailey, said: “We are disappointed but we do understand. We wish Lionel well and thank him for all the work he has done.”

Mr Lockley, who lives in Exley Crescent, had represented the council’s Bracken Bank and Ingrow ward.

He was born and brought up in Keighley and joined the army when he was 16, serving with the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment for six years.

He subsequently held several different posts in the voluntary sector, and has worked as a bus driver for many years.

Married with four sons, Mr Lockley was elected to the committee of the National Association of Local Councils last year.

Commenting on his resignation on Tuesday, he said he informed Mrs Bailey and the town mayor, Coun Sally Walker, of his decision last Wednesday.

“Being a councillor has been a big part of my life,” he added. “I’ve enjoyed being in a position to help a lot of people, with the support of district councillors. I still want the town council to do well, and I’ll be keeping an eye on it, but as a member of the public now.

“I don’t want people to feel I’ve let them down, but for me, personally, it was the right time to go.”

The vacancy on the council will be filled either by a co-option or by an election, if ten electors from his ward call for a vote.