THE secretary of Ilkley Golf Club Arthur Hatfield has died suddenly aged 64.

Mr Hatfield, who was born in Ilkley, had been secretary of the club for the past nine years.

He was also at one time president of Ben Rhydding Sports Club where he was instrumental in having the all-weather turf installed.

Mr Hatfield was educated in Keighley. After leaving school he was called up into the RAF where he carried out his National Service in California.

He later worked for British Fuels Limited where he became a director before retiring around 10 years ago.

As well as his sporting interests Mr Hatfield was also involved with the scout movement. After being a scout himself he became treasurer of the Third Ben Rhydding Scout Troop for around 40 years. For his long service he received a prestigious Scout Award.

Former Troop leader Brian Williams, of Ilkley, said: "He was a good servant to the scout movement and a very useful chap. I never had to worry about finances for the Troop."

John Laxton, who was associated with Mr Hatfield chiefly at Ben Rhydding Sports Club, described him as a "super, solid Yorkshireman".

Mr Laxton said: "I have known him for about 40 or 50 years - we played cricket and hockey together.

"He was the sort of man whom everybody trusted, and if he said he would do something, he would do it.

"He was always straightforward and fair minded when he ran committees - a very well-respected man. Very rarely did you hear anybody say anything against him, and if somebody did something wrong he would try and sort it out."

Mr Laxton said that Mr Hatfield had particular talents as an organiser from which the sports club and Ilkley Golf Club both benefited.

Also to benefit from Mr Hatfield's organisation skills was the Bradford Textile Society where he was secretary. Members held a minute's silence in his memory at a meeting earlier this week.

As well as his other interests Mr Hatfield was also a keen fisherman, being a member of the Middleton Angling Club and the Piscatorial Society.

Mr Hatfield lived in Ben Rhydding until four or five months ago when he moved to Addingham temporarily and was due to move to a new home when he died. He leaves a wife, Susan, and son Robert.

There will be a memorial service at All Saints Church, Church Street, Ilkley, tomorrow (Friday) following a private cremation.