A MAN thought to be one of the oldest people in Keighley district has died, aged 105.

George Harold Clough, known as Harold, had been in Currergate Nursing Home in Steeton for eight years, but previously spent half his life living in Bracken Bank.

His grandson Mark Clarkson, who lives in Keighley, said Harold died at the nursing home last month (May) after a short illness.

"Almost until the end he was in very good health for his age, apart from a dodgy knee" he added. "He had a very active life when he was younger. He didn't drink, didn't smoke and did a lot of walking."

Mark also attributed his grandfather's long life to his love of music. Harold was a keen singer, played the concertina and cornet and continued performing with Silsden Town Band until he was 97.

Mr Clarkson said his grandfather continued playing the concertina even when he was over 100.

He was born in 1912 near Barnsley, the second eldest of 12 siblings. At the age of 14 he started work in the mines on the pit bottom where he was employed as a driver with a pit pony.

His job was to supply the older miners with tubs for them to fill with coal.

At the age of 21 he found himself out of work because younger boys were cheaper to employ on haulage in the mines.

He then worked at different places in the north of England including Buxton, Orrell and Barnoldswick.

Harold joined the Salvation Army in his early 20s, and it was there that he met and married lieutenant Daisy Richardson. He became a Salvation Army church leader in 1936.

Harold, Daisy and their first-born daughter Sylvia moved to Keighley in 1945, where they had another daughter Mavis. Harold lived in Elmwood Road, Bracken Bank, for 57 years until moving to Addingham in 2006.

During his working life Harold was a radial driller at engineering firm Widdop’s until the company moved to Scotland. He then worked at Sealand Engineering until his retirement.

He sang in the choir at the local Salvation Army for many years, and in the church choir at Mount Hermon Chapel when he lived in Addingham.

By the time he stopped playing for Silsden Town Band he was the oldest brass band player in the UK.

Harold leaves his two daughters, two surviving sisters, three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. His funeral will be held at the Knowle, in Keighley, though a date has still to be confirmed.