Tributes flowed in this week following the death of Patrick Lawton, until recently Bradford Council's "Mr Keighley".

The popular former Keighley area co-ordinator was hailed for his fairness, passion and total devotion to the town and its people.

Work colleague Jeff Bennett said he was a "plain-speaking, working-class, Geordie lad" who would be remembered as one of Keighley's finest.

Mr Lawton, 56, died at his Fell Lane home last Friday evening, surrounded by his wife, Sheila, and family, following a long battle against cancer.

He had been named Keighley Personality of the Year last March, a month before he took early retirement due to ill-health.

The Middlesbrough-born grand-father had successfully fought cancer in the 1990s but the illness returned two years ago.

Mr Lawton had been a popular figure among councillors, council officers and both professionals and residents working in many organisations.

He moved to Bradford at the age of 18 and in the early 1980s became manager of Keighley careers office.

Mr Lawton, who had a son Dominic, stepsons Steven, Paul and Matthew, and five grandchildren, married his work colleague Sheila in 1991.

He became Keighley's assistant area co-ordinator ten years ago and was promoted to the top job in 1997. His wide-ranging role involved serving Keighley Area Committee, organising neighbourhood forums, liaising with council departments and key organisations, and spearheading major improvement projects.

Mrs Lawton this week told the Keighley News that her husband lived for his job but was just as devoted to his children and grandchildren.

She said: "He was just the same outside work -- funny, fair, decent. I had as much respect for him as anyone else.

"Becoming Keighley Personality of the Year meant an awful lot to him, because he wasn't well. When it happened it was brilliant."

Bradford Council leader Councillor Margaret Eaton said Mr Lawton had been a very committed, caring and fair person who would help every community.

Jeff Bennett, Keighley's acting area co-ordinator, said his former boss had been driven by a commitment to providing equal opportunities for all.

He said: "Patrick promoted Keighley as an example of what can be achieved when local people, politicians and service providers work together for the common good.

"He leaves as his legacy a well-developed network of friends and colleagues who will continue to play a vital role in shaping the future of Keighley."

Keighley Voluntary Services chief Caroline Schwaller said Mr Lawton's legacy would be the strong and friendly relationship between his office and local groups and communities.

She added: "We worked together on new ideas -- and took the odd risk -- in a spirit of trust and mutual understanding."

Chris Flecknoe, the Shipley area co-ordinator, said Mr Lawton's vast experience, personal integrity and wisdom had been an inspiration to her. She said: "I am confident that Patrick has lit up so many other people with the fires of his own vision and enthusiasm that the benefits of his achievements will live on."

Cllr Irene Ellison-Wood, a close friend and former area committee chairman, said that Mr Lawton hated to see any person suffering injustice. She said: "He'd rather sit and talk than argue, but he always wanted to help people find a solution. He was firm, positive but never aggressive."

Cllr Andrew Mallinson, chairman of the area committee, said Mr Lawton had been a true spokesman for Keighley and an ambassador for the council. He added: "Patrick never involved politics in the area committee, he played it down the line. He always had that sparkle in his eye."

Mr Lawton's funeral will be held next Wednesday at 1.30pm, in St Anne's Church, North Street, Keighley, followed by a cremation attended by family and friends.

Mrs Lawton has requested family flowers only, with donations to go to Manorlands hospice, at Oxenhope.