Tribute has been paid to former Keighley News reporter Peter Cooke, who has died aged 74.

Peter retired in July 1991, after 18 years with the newspaper.

Before joining the Keighley News he had spent nearly three decades with the Yorkshire Post and Evening Post, including 23 years at the company's former Cavendish Street office.

This week, former colleagues and others who knew Peter outside of work paid tribute.

Current news editor Alistair Shand recalls with fondness his years working alongside Peter, who lived at Cross Roads.

He said: "When I came to the Keighley News in 1984 I was a young, recently-qualified reporter, new to the area.

"In those formative years as a senior reporter I learned a tremendous amount from Peter. Not only was he a journalist of the highest integrity and professionalism, but he was a true gentleman -- I don't think I ever heard him say a bad word about anyone.

"He was very well liked and respected, not just by his colleagues but by everyone he had dealings with in the community."

Former editor John Liddle said Peter was an exemplary all-round journalist -- equally at home with news, features and sport, and newspaper production.

He added: "As well as being a reporter of renowned accuracy, he was a very good writer, as seen in the "Not only but also" column he introduced.

"Peter was never anything less than conscientious and always took great pains to make sure his work was up to the high standards he had learnt on daily and evening newspapers.

"His experience and know-how made Peter a senior member of the editorial team which brought about an editorially and commercially successful expansion of the Keighley News from the mid-1970s onwards. Immensely proud of Keighley, Peter helped ensure that his town continued to have a trustworthy local newspaper at its heart."

Peter -- whose wife Jose died in November 2002 -- was a passionate supporter of local amateur dramatics, and wrote with fervour about many a production in the town.

He was a member of the former Burns Theatre Club for many years.

Club founder Peter Riley said: "Peter and his wife both used to be members and were regulars at our meetings and theatre trips. Peter was a really nice fellow, who would help anyone. I was very sad to hear of his death."

Youth theatre HYT also benefited from his support.

As well as reviewing productions, Peter used to attend HYT events and travelled to festivals as an avid supporter.

Michael Ford, who founded the group and was involved for two decades, said: "Peter and Jose were both extremely supportive, not only of the group but of the young people and the work they were doing.

"Peter would come along to see us on occasions even when he was not working, and he would chat to us and provide useful feedback. He was always very positive, friendly and good humoured, and provided great encouragement."

Peter was a member of St James's Church, Cross Roads, where he served on the PCC.

Vicar the Rev Liz Cannon said he was extremely popular and would be greatly missed.

She added: "He was a much loved member who made a wonderful contribution to church life.

"He wrote a column -- 'View from the Pew' -- in the church magazine nearly every month, which was an account of what the PCC was doing.

"It was written in an interesting and entertaining style that appealed to everyone. He was such a humble person yet had wisdom and possessed tremendous faith."

Peter's funeral service took place at St James's Church yesterday afternoon and was followed by cremation at Oakworth.