A TEENAGER from Keighley who successfully battled cancer seven years ago has died in hospital after the illness returned.

Relatives of Callum Mynott, 17, confirmed that he died in Leeds General Infirmary last night.

His family were with him when he died.

Callum had played for Keighley Albion Rugby League Club, and news of his death emerged while the club was staging a well-attended fundraiser to help him.

Team coach Darren Murphy said the event at the club's base in Crossflatts last night had continued, as a celebration of Callum's life and to raise as much money as possible for his family members.

"We'd finished the rugby games and were just coming back to the club house for the raffle and auction when we were given the news," he said. "I made the announcement to people there.

"We had known that he was really poorly, and that time was important which is why the fundraiser had been pulled together so quickly. But we didn't expect this to happen so fast.

"We continued the evening as best we could, which is what Callum would have wanted.

"His team mates were all together when we first broke the news. For many of them it's probably the first time in their lives they've experienced such a tragedy."

Mr Murphy said the fundraiser was hugely successful, and hoped it may have collected as much as £8,000.

Callum, who was known to his team mates as CJ, had struggled against cancer seven years ago and underwent specialist treatment not available in the UK in Switzerland.

But he fell ill again just a few weeks ago and it was discovered the cancer, in his brain stem, had returned.

The college student had been undergoing treatment at LGI, but his family was warned the cancer was inoperable.

The Keighley Cougars rugby team has been among the groups paying tribute to Callum. A spokesman for the club said: "We are devastated to hear the news that Callum Mynott has passed away.

"We would like to send our condolences to the family and friends of CJ at this awful time."

Dozens of people from as far afield as Canada and Australia have left moving messages on the club's Facebook page.

One person posted: "RIP Callum, so so sad. Thoughts and prayers go out to your family and friends at such an awful time. From me and my family here in Canada."

Another commented: "My heart is sad tonight with this news. Rest in peace Callum. Sending my love to his parents, family and friends at this very difficult time. Stay strong."