TRIBUTE has been paid following the sudden death of a popular Keighley father-of-seven.

Ansar Mahmood – who was 49 – collapsed whilst working at town-centre shop Top Trends, in Cavendish Street.

Family friend, Keighley Central district councillor Zafar Ali, says he was a caring man and dedicated to improving his neighbourhood.

"He was very much liked and was always helpful to people of all ages," said Cllr Ali.

"Ansar was a highly valued and trusted worker at Top Trends.

"I had a very good relationship with him, and I've known the family going back 50 years.

"Ansar was passionate about keeping his neighbourhood clean and safe. He would come to me with issues like-fly-tipping, blocked gullies and overhanging branches. I would be his first port of call. Earlier this year he joined me in a clean-up of the area.

"He was a true friend and will be greatly missed.

"My deepest condolences go out to his wife, parents and family and friends."

Mr Mahmood, who lived at Rupert Street, was father to six sons and a daughter.

Large numbers of people turned out for his funeral, held at the Yorkshire Gardens of Peace – near Keighley Tarn – on Saturday.