TRIBUTE has been paid to a stalwart Manorlands supporter who has died aged 84.

George Ryan was a familiar sight manning the gates of the Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice at the annual garden party for many years.

He also chaired the Horton support group and helped run the former Manorlands marketplace – which was located below an appeals office in Little Horton Lane, Bradford – for a number of years.

David Wood, a former fundraiser at the hospice, said Mr Ryan – who lived at Bierley – helped coin-in countless thousands of pounds over the years and was a great support to him personally.

"In many ways he was my right-hand man," he said.

"He was there every time I needed support. He was a great help on our monthly 'can run', which took us all around Bradford and Keighley collecting cans to be turned into money for the hospice, as well as our trips to pick-up donated clothes and goods.

"George had suffered with ill health in recent years, but always still had a laugh and a joke.

"His much-loved wife Greta will miss her best mate and husband, and we will all miss never meeting him again and ending-up in fits of laughter.

"He was a very special gentleman and Manorlands has lost a great friend and supporter."