Keighley Playhouse stalwart Jack Hepworth, who for about 20 years was manager of the shoe department in the town's Co-op, has died aged 87.

Dewsbury-born Mr Hepworth came to Keighley in 1956 from Horbury, where as a Pageant Players and Wakefield Little Theatre member he had produced half a dozen shows and appeared in over 30.

His experience was quickly recognised by the Keighley Theatre Group, and before the year was out he was giving what Juniper - the legendary drama critic of the Keighley News - described as a polished performance in "Arsenic and Old Lace".

This was followed early in 1957 with "My Three Angels", and the next year he stepped in at short notice to produce the thriller "Dead on Nine".

Over the years Mr Hepworth became a familiar figure at the then Keighley Little Theatre in Devonshire Street, acting in classics such as 'Blithe Spirit' and 'The Ghost Train.'

He served as Playhouse president and as a member of its casting committee, also appearing with the Keighley Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society in 'West Side Story' and 'Carousel.'

Mr Hepworth served in the Royal Army Medical Corps during the war and saw action with 223 Field Ambulance at the Normandy landings.

A keen walker and lover of the countryside, he was also a member of Keighley Art Club and enjoyed painting outings for as long as his failing eyesight permitted. Until recently, several of his local views hung in Keighley's Sunwin House caf. He leaves a widow, a son and two daughters.