An award-winning photographer, who worked on a freelance basis for the Keighley News, has died aged 64.

Tony Fickes died in Leeds General Infirmary last Thursday after a short illness.

His initial press work was covering sports fixtures, but he also began photographing general news events, at weekends and evenings.

Tony – who spent 40 years working in the printing trade – launched a gardening business in 2007.

But photography remained his main passion.

Several of his photographs were published in books and his work was regularly seen in the local weather slots on BBC and ITV.

He won a number of awards and was chosen to provide the images – depicting scenes in an area stretching from Bradford to the Yorkshire Dales – for the 2011 Manorlands calendar.

Tony’s widow, Jackie, said: “He was passionate about his photography and he loved meeting people. He could speak to anyone, right across the spectrum.” The couple were married for 43 years.

Alistair Shand, news editor at the Keighley News, said: “I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear about Tony’s death.

“He loved photography and would always go to great lengths to ensure he achieved the best possible picture.

“On a personal level, he was just an extremely kind, caring and thoughtful guy. My thoughts are with Jackie and their son, Aiden, at this time.”

The funeral is at St Mary and St Walburga’s RC Church in Kirkgate, Shipley, at 10.30am tomorrow.