A WELL-known driving instructor has died aged 57 after a short battle against cancer.

Gary McDonald was diagnosed with stomach cancer in December.

He was a self-employed driving instructor, with No L School of Motoring, in the Aire Valley for over two decades.

His wife of nearly 30 years, Laura Campbell, says: "We are all in shock.

"Gary initially just had a cough, he didn't even feel ill. Numerous tests were carried out – beginning with the lungs, then the heart – and they finally found the stomach cancer. He was diagnosed on my 60th birthday.

"It was then all so quick, just four months from start to end.

"Gary was a wonderful driving instructor who was much loved. He changed so many young people’s lives – hundreds of drivers on our roads now are there because of him."

Mr McDonald, from Harden, was also a member of Keighley Playhouse and Bingley Little Theatre.

His funeral service will take place at St Saviour's Church, in Harden, on May 2, at noon, followed by burial at Haworth – "his favourite place", says Laura.

He leaves Laura, a teenage son Fraser, and a sister Tracy. He was also a brother-in-law and uncle.