A well-known sports enthusiast and teacher has died at the age of 54.

Rodney Farnell, of Bylands Avenue, Riddlesden, died at home after a three-year fight against lung cancer.

The popular sports teacher was a well-known figure in the Keighley area who used to coach the town's under-11 boys football squad.

He was secretary of the Keighley branch of the English Schools Football Association, and enjoyed playing and watching all types of sport.

As well as being a fan of the Keighley Cougars he played cricket for Airedale and Riddlesden. He also enjoyed writing and producing plays.

Mr Farnell was born into a farming family in Nelson. After attending a local school he joined the RAF as a Senior Aircraft Controller.

After meeting future wife Margaret in Burnley, the couple moved to the Keighley area, and he started his 20-year career in teaching.

His first job was as a sports and geography teacher at Parkwood first School in Keighley. From there he went to teach at Grange middle school inRiddlesden. He eventually finished at St Joseph's junior and infant school, and retired a year ago.

St Joseph's head-teacher Marian Bolton says: "Rod Far-nell was a teacher who was totally committed to the children with whom he worked."

His daughter Catrina recei-ved a bravery award last year in London from then Prime Minister John Major for the care she gave her father.

A requiem mass was held at St Joseph's RC church which was packed with friends and relatives who celebrated his life and the contributions he made to the community.

The internment took place at Utley cemetery.

He is survived by his wife Margaret, 52, and his four children Damian, 28, Sean, 26, Cameron, 24 and Catrina 10.

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