One of the original members of Airedale NHS Trust Board has died suddenly , aged 71.

David Walker joined the board when the former health authority became a trust back in 1992, and served as a director until his retirement last November.

An accountant by profession, he was a partner in the firm Grant Thornton and also had many outside interests including being on the board of many companies. He was a member of the Probus Club and one of the governors of Bradford Grammar School.

Mr Walker, of Burley-in-Wharfedale, always took an interest in the financial side of the work of the Airedale NHS Trust Board and was also involved in the aspect of its property management, being a chairman of its estates subgroup.

"Most people will remember him for his sense of humour and he had a lot of common sense," says the trust's deputy chief executive Janet Crouch.

"His contributions to the board were always concise and to the point."

Mr Walker leaves a widow and three children. His funeral service took place earlier this week.

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