A stalwart of Keighley’s rugby league club has died.

Bettie Spencer, who was 87, was secretary of the Cougars for many years, but performed numerous other tasks at the Lawkholme club, which she avidly supported. Her late husband, Bill, was also a long-time supporter and director.

Former club chairman Colin Farrar said: “Bettie was the company secretary, but I soon understood just how important she was to the club alongside her financial responsibilities. In fact, there was very little Bettie was not involved with at the club. She was a real stalwart and will be long-remembered.”

She was a member of St Mary’s Church, Riddlesden, where her funeral service will take place at noon on Wednesday, January 15.