A FORMER Keighley mayor has been recognised for his outstanding charity work at a launch celebration for a town pharmacy.

George Metcalf was one of the guests at the event to officially open the Well branch in Scott Street, Keighley.

The premises were previously The Co-operative Pharmacy, but have now been re-launched under the name Well, following a change of ownership and investment by new owners, Bestway Group.

Mr Metcalf and his wife and former mayoress, Nanette, were invited to the branch for the re-launch, where they were met by members of staff.

Mr Metcalf is a long-standing customer of the pharmacy, and was nominated as an 'unsung hero' for his tireless efforts to help people in the area.

After serving 23 years in the army, he has immersed himself in charity work, particularly related to the local branch of the Royal British Legion, which he has supported for more than 13 years. He also trained as a caseworker for the welfare service of the legion, visiting serving and ex-serving soldiers and their dependants.

Jenny Copley-Farnell, regional manager of Well in Keighley, said: “We are extremely excited to unveil the new-look pharmacy.

"Our aim is to be part of the fabric of Keighley, so we’re overjoyed we were able to highlight George’s commitment to the community, giving us a further reason to celebrate.

"We recognise many of our customers, like George, are tireless in their efforts to support local people, which is why we wanted to celebrate his work at our grand opening.”

Mr Metcalf, who works as a bus driver for Transdev Keighley, served as a town councillor until stepping down in May this year.

Responding to his invitation to the re-launch, he said: "Myself and Nanette have been going to that pharmacy since it first opened. The staff there are always pleasant and have a smile on their faces, and it's a pleasure to go there.

"I felt privileged to be asked to attend the re-launch and speak about what I've done during my life."

Mr Metcalf served in the Army's 1st King's Regiment (Liverpool). He completed tours to Northern Ireland, Hong Kong and Germany. While in the forces he was army, navy and air force boxing champion, three times as a senior and twice as a junior.

He left the Army in 1978 to box professionally for four years.

As a lightweight boxer he was rated number five in Britain in 1981, and worked as a boxing coach in Eastburn for four years.