A pillar of Keighley’s community has died aged 44 after a long struggle against cancer.

Father-of-two Sajid Khan, who had a brain tumour, died at home last Thursday.

He was heavily involved in the Keighley Muslim Association and used to work as an education guidance officer at Keighley College.

His body has been taken to Pakistan, which is where his parents are buried.

Mr Khan, who lived in Lawkholme, leaves his wife Rifat, nine-year-old son Bilal and eight-year-old daughter Hafsa. He also leaves two sisters and two brothers.

Wajid Khan, his younger brother, said: “He had this tumour for 10 years, but over the last week he was extremely ill.

“He was always like a father figure to us and his death leaves a great void in our lives. He did so much for the community and for charity. People used to come to our house late at night wanting his help.

“Even when he was in a lot of pain he would think of others. He was always a fighter.”

Family friend Javed Bashir, who saw Mr Khan the day before he died, said: “I grew up with Sajid. I’d known him since I was 10 and we both went to Swire Smith School and Greenhead.

“It’s such a tragic death. He was a really nice person and everyone respected him.”

Mohammed Saleem, community relations and education officer for Keighley Muslim Association, said Mr Khan played an important role in the Ittehaad Community Association, which was established in Keighley in 1993 to promote integration and community cohesion.

He added that Mr Khan was instrumental in a project to expand the Emily Street Mosque.

“He was a great guy,” he said. “It’s hard to express in words just how willing he was to help other people. He always had a smile on his face and all the work he did for the community is greatly appreciated. He’ll be sadly missed.”

Debbie Fletcher, Leeds City College vice-principal curriculum and Keighley Campus manager, said: “Sajid sadly left the college due to serious health reasons. He was a highly regarded member of staff and popular with both colleagues and students.”