Tribute has been paid to a popular Riddlesden teenager who has died.

Keen cricketer Zaheer Haider, 18, died in hospital a week after collapsing without warning.

The youngster was yesterday described by his father as a wonderful boy who was always willing to help his family and other people.

Similar praise was expressed to the family by Keighley College, where he was taking a GNVQ information technology course, and the Territorial Army.

Colleagues and friends described him as an intelligent and enthusiastic organiser and a polite, helpful and well-presented soldier.

Zaheer joined the Territorials in Keighley last November and was considering applying for a scholarship with the armed forces.

A former Bingley Grammar School student, he worked for a Keighley computer firm before taking up the college course last year.

Zaheer had played for Riddlesden Cricket Club for several years and was one of the Keighley team which won last year's under-17s Bradford league.

His brother Imran also plays for Riddlesden and his father played with the team for many years until concentrating on cycling.

Zaheer was formerly a member of the Bront Wheelers cycling club with his father and regularly took part in charity sporting events.

Zaheer's father Jan was gratified to hear about the high regard in which other youngsters held his son for his help and advice.

"He was a popular member of wherever he went. He was just a wonderful lad. It's unbelievable for such a young lad.

"Many people have sent cards, flowers and kind words which have meant quite a lot to us at this very tragic time."

Tutors and fellow students at Keighley College, in a letter to Zaheer's parents, said the teenager was a popular and extremely intelligent member of the class who joined in with enthusiasm, organising both his friends and his tutors.

The commanding officer of the Territorial Army unit in Keighley, Ypres company, wrote that Zaheer was very smart and well-presented, polite and helpful, and always keen to impress.

Zaheer suffered from diabetes-related problems several years ago and his death is believed to be connected with this condition.

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