A former mayor of Keighley has died after a short illness.

Allan Rhodes, who was 73 and lived in Oakworth, died last Thursday in hospital. He was a councillor for the Oakworth ward from 2003 to 2011.

His wife, Pat, said he was irreplaceable.

“He was my soul mate, and I’ve lost him,” she said.

Mr Rhodes served as mayor of Keighley in 2004/5. He also completed stints as chairman of the council’s allotments and general purposes committees, and was heavily involved with Keighley in Bloom.

He was born and brought up in Bradford and attended Bradford Grammar. When he left school he began work as a plumber before joining West Yorkshire Police.

He also served in the Cumbrian force and spent time working as an acting inspector. He left the force at the rank of sergeant after 22 years. He leaves three daughters and a son.

Mrs Rhodes said her husband had enjoyed life and had been a “proper beat bobby”.

Keighley councillor Graham Mitchell said: “He was a big man and a great character in every respect. He was a tireless worker for his constituents. He helped everyone who went to him and sorted out a lot of problems.

“He was a warm and generous hearted man, and a great raconteur. He made an excellent master of ceremonies and he often performed this role at town council events.

“He was a very good mayor and a great upholder of the dignity of the office.”

Mr Rhodes’ funeral service takes place at 11.30am next Friday, October 19, at Keighley Shared Church.