A well-known Keighley man who was born and lived in the area all his life has died aged 84.

David Keighley, above, was headteacher at Eastburn Junior School for 16 years, until his retirement in 1989. But the great grandfather entered teaching relatively late.

Following a spell working in a bank after leaving school, he trained for the merchant navy. Before he could go to sea, however, he was called up for National Service with the army in Somalia and Kenya.

He later got a job on migrant ships to Australia and troop ships to Korea, Japan and the Far East during the Korean war.

Before deciding to follow his wife, Kathleen – whom he married in 1956 – into the teaching profession, he ran a milk bar in North Street, Keighley.

Mr Keighley, who lived at Banks Lane in Riddlesden, was a member of Steeton Male Voice Choir for 40 years and of Keighley rugby union club for half-a-century.

He ran Scout sports at Marley and was a badge examiner for the movement. He was also a keen historian.

“He was very proud of Keighley and he touched so many people’s lives,” said his younger daughter, Anne Tattam.

Mr Keighley is survived by his wife and leaves children Paul, Jane, Stephen and Anne. He also has eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

The funeral service is at St Mary’s Church in Riddlesden at 1.15pm on Tuesday.