GLOWING tribute has been paid to a Silsden 'community champion' who has died aged 56.

Dr Simon Holland was a lynchpin member of the Friends of Silsden Town Hall and was involved with several other organisations in the town.

He died within days of suddenly falling ill at his Elm Grove home.

Dr Holland was secretary – and a founding trustee – of the town hall Friends and played a key role in the recent transfer of the historic Kirkgate building from Bradford Council to community control.

He was also heavily involved, as a Friends representative and committee chairman, in the ongoing formulation of an emergency plan for Silsden.

The plan is being drawn-up following the gas crisis which hit the town over the Easter period, when supplies to virtually the whole of Silsden were cut off.

Dr Holland was also a dedicated worker on behalf of Gloucester Avenue Community Centre. He served as treasurer and organised trips for elderly residents of the estate.

In addition, he acted as an occasional advisor to Silsden Hive and the town's football club.

"The community of Silsden has lost one of its most active and enthusiastic champions," said a spokesman for the town hall Friends.

"He was a proud Lancastrian who 'adopted' Silsden four years ago and threw himself wholeheartedly into a whole range of local activities and organisations aimed at bringing people together and enriching their lives."

Bolton-born Dr Holland studied chemistry at Bradford University and then gained a doctorate at Aston University.

For many years he was employed by SmithKline Beecham – later GSK – mainly in the south of England, but he retained his love of the north and remained a loyal fan of Bolton Wanderers FC, attending as many matches as he could.

On becoming a freelance consultant to the pharmaceutical industry, Dr Holland moved to Silsden with his wife Julie in 2014.

"He was nearer to family and the northern countryside that he loved so much," added the Friends spokesman.

"The town hall trustees pay tribute to a gentle, warm-hearted and modest friend who earned the respect of all.

"Simon was someone with a deep concern for social justice and was dedicated to making a difference.

"His vision was not for a year or two, his was for a hundred years. It is the trustees' responsibility to deliver this in the months and years to come."