TRIBUTE has been paid following the death of a popular former Keighley councillor and Lord Mayor of Bradford.

Irene Ellison-Wood – who lived at Braithwaite – served as a Keighley West Labour councillor on Bradford Council for 17 years, stepping down from the role in 2007.

She was the Lord Mayor between 2004-05, and said she was "immensely proud" to be the first woman from Keighley to hold the post.

The district's current civic head, Councillor Shabir Hussain, said: "I am very saddened to hear of the death of Irene Ellison-Wood.

"She worked tirelessly for the people of Keighley and will be remembered fondly.

"Our thoughts go out to her family and friends at this very sad time."

As a mark of respect the bell at City Hall will toll for an hour from noon today, and flags will be lowered at all council buildings in Keighley, Bradford, Shipley, Bingley and Ilkley.

Keighley town mayor, Councillor Julie Adams, said: "Whilst I didn’t know Irene personally I did meet her on a couple of occasions and her warmth always shone through. She clearly had Keighley in her heart and cared very much about the parish and its residents. My thoughts and love go out to her family and friends."

Town councillor Michael Westerman said it was a sad day for Keighley.

"Whilst I was chair of Braithwaite People's Association she was the nicest, kindest person that supported her ward," he added.

"The town has lost a much respected lady. Rest in peace Mrs Ellison-Wood."

Mrs Ellison-Wood was born in Manchester and after serving in the RAF moved to Keighley in 1964 with her then husband.

The mother-of-three became involved in trades union activities and then in 1990 stood for election to Keighley West ward.

During her time as councillor she served as chair of Keighley Area Committee, deputy chair of social services and Deputy Lord Mayor in 2001.

She also served for a time as secretary of Keighley Trades Union Council.

When she announced in 2006 that she wouldn't be seeking re-election as a councillor the following year, she said it had been "a tremendous privilege" to serve as the elected member for Keighley West.