A FORMER mayor has died aged 90 at Steeton Court Nursing Home.

Christopher O’Brien had been a resident at the home, in Steeton Hall Gardens, for six months.

Ireland-born Mr O'Brien became a councillor for Hebden Royd, in Calderdale, in 1969 and served for 20 years. He was mayor in 1985.

He was a member of several committees and worked for a number of charities, including the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

His daughter, Christine Gudgin, who lives at Haworth, said: "Dad formed links with Airedale Hospital as a patient and we found it brilliant in its care of him, the Catholic church in Steeton/Silsden sent visitors to him – which was very kind of them –and Steeton Court was absolutely fantastic.

"Dad was not particularly political – he cared more about people and their problems than party politics and he always tried to help them.

"At the end of his political career he stood as an independent candidate and swept the board. People voted for him because he was a good man who got things done."

Mr O'Brien leaves two daughters, Christine and Amanda.