BRADFORD Cathedral was packed for a service in memory of a popular former Keighley deputy headteacher and executive principal.

Gareth Dawkins died suddenly in October, aged 58, after suffering two major heart attacks while on a break in Suffolk.

At yesterday's service, tributes were led by the Very Rev Jerry Lepine, Dean of Bradford Cathedral.

He said: "Gareth was a big personality, a force of nature, and his death has left a huge hole in all our lives."

Tehmina Hashmi – principal of Bradford Academy, where Mr Dawkins was at the helm latterly – added: "Gareth had a unique knack of bringing people together and we are all sad he was taken too soon and we hadn't the opportunity to say goodbye."

His eldest son, Jonny, recalled his father's achievements, as well as his rugby prowess, but also saluted his strict discipline.

"We had our bedrooms checked like an Ofsted inspection! We would run for cover should they be put into special measures," he mused.

Mr Dawkins was deputy head at the old Greenhead School in Keighley for five years until 1999.

He then returned to the now University Academy Keighley (UAK), in January 2011, as joint executive principal.

UAK principal Bernie Addison said at the time of his death she was "deeply saddened" and shocked at the news.

"Gareth was known to many in the Keighley community," she added.

"He was a man of great integrity and commitment to educational standards in the town."

UAK representatives and heads and school leaders from across the district were among those at the memorial service.