A FORMER head teacher and Keighley town councillor from East Morton has died, aged 86.

David Miller, who had been headmaster of Woodhouse Grove School in Apperley Bridge, died at Morton Close Care Home on October 15.

Current and former town councillors have since paid tribute to Mr Miller, who used to represent Keighley Town Council’s Morton and Sandbeds ward.

He served on the town council from its creation in 2002, until stepping down in 2011 to spend more time with his wife Kathleen.

Former councillor and town mayor Graham Mitchell said: “I’m very saddened to hear of the death of former friend, colleague and town councillor David Miller.

“David was a lovely man, a committed Christian and very caring councillor.

“I remember him as a thoroughly conscientious chairman of the council’s Planning Committee – always calm, scrupulously fair in his arguments and decisions, always prepared to see both sides of a debate.

“He showed mild frustration and exasperation only at those whom he felt were using the council to their own advantage, but he always rose above the fray and did the very best for his ward and his town.”

Ex-mayor and councillor George Metcalf described Mr Miller as a “true gentleman”.

“I always looked up to David in my early years as a councillor,” he added. “I learned so much from him, which I was able to use to further develop my own career as a councillor and future mayor of Keighley.”

Tony Wright, who is another former Keighley mayor, said: “David had a strong moral compass and always did things selflessly and for the right reasons.

“He was the keeper of the council’s conscience and I don’t think any of our colleagues ever had a single criticism of his actions words or behaviour. This is a sad loss to East Morton and the wider community.

Serving town councillors Michael Westerman and Brian Morris also praised Mr Miller’s years of public service, with Cllr Westerman saying: “David was not just a great councillor he was also a great man and will be sadly missed by many, many people.

“As well as representing Morton and Sandbeds he was a well-respected member of Morton village society.

Cllr Morris said: “He was one of the nicest people you could wish to meet.

“David will be remembered for his calm and caring personality. He was definitely one of the good people of our town and a genuine gentleman.”

Mr Miller’s funeral service was held at Keighley Shared Church on October 23, and was followed by cremation at Oakworth.