KEIGHLEY football is mourning the loss of one of its great stalwarts following the death of Peter Pamment at the age of 86.

Peter was a dedicated member of the Keighley & District Football Association, where he played a huge part in the success of the Minors under-17s over the years.

He also served on the West Riding County FA, becoming a life vice-president, and played a part in the development of Marley as Keighley's home of football.

Peter, who passed away last week after a short illness, also received an FA award for over 50 years of service to football in his beloved home town.

Born in 1930, he served in the RAF from 1951 to 1954 and married Audrey in December 1951.

He initially played cricket for Ingrow but was soon involved in local football, becoming secretary of the renowned Keighley Central side, who not only became the first local team to win the County Cup, but also won the Keighley Challenge Cup on no fewer than seven occasions in the 1960s.

But for the lack of facilities at Marley, they could arguably have gone on to far greater things. In fact, with Peter playing a vital role at the helm, they did have a short spell playing in the FA Amateur Cup from 1966 to 1970, taking on Yorkshire Amateurs, Emley and Guiseley on equal terms.

The lack of facilities was always something Peter wanted to develop and he had various discussions and meetings with Bradford Council over the years, leading to the installation of floodlights and Marley becoming Keighley’s home of football.

While Keighley Central suffered a demise, Peter’s enthusiasm for football did not waiver.

In 1981, he was elected to the West Riding FA Council and was always involved in lively discussions, with the Keighley FA his first priority.

In 1996, he was elected to vice-president, working on various committees and culminating in the accolade of life vice-president in 2003 as an appreciation of his continued work.

Within the Keighley FA, he may be best remembered for his tireless work with the Minors under-17 teams. He took great pleasure in overseeing Keighley’s best youngsters pit their skills against the supposedly better Associations.

It was no surprise that Peter was involved in overseeing four Minor Cup titles for Keighley and saw numerous youngsters develop within the national game.

The passing away of Peter has probably signalled the end of an era. Keighley is unlikely to see anyone else show the same dedication that Peter had towards football in his home town.

To say he was a larger than life character is an understatement. The memories he leaves will be a legacy to the work he has put in over many years.

The respect that he earned is second to none and, although he will be sorely missed by all his close friends and colleagues, he will not be forgotten.

Peter’s funeral will take place at Nab Wood Cemetery and Crematoria on Monday (April 3) at 10.50am.

Those attending who possess a Keighley FA tie have been asked by Peter's family to wear it in his remembrance.