The former medical superintendent at Scalebor Park Hospital, Burley-in-Wharfe-dale, has died at the age of 100 in the Troutbeck Nursing Home, Ilkley.

Born in Glasgow in 1906 James Valentine, who was known as Jim, was the third child and eldest son Dr Valentine won a scholarship to grammar school and decided to train in medicine and went to Glasgow University.

During his student days he became interested in the cause of Scottish Nationalism and he became one of the founder members of the party. He then studied for a diploma in psychological medicine at London University.

After working at the Murray Royal Hospital, Perth, he applied for the post of medical superintendent at Scalebor Park Hospital. The private hospital was unique in that it had 150 patients and extensive grounds including tennis courts, cricket and football pitches as well as two farms to supply fresh produce.

In 1939 he was appointed as medical superintendent and married Nora Price (Nina) of Headingley. They had three children.

Scalebor lost its private hospital status in 1948 with the advent of the National Health Service and the number of patients increased to 350.

Dr Valentine became a consultant psychiatrist at the Department of Psychiatry and a Leeds University lecturer.

He was secretary of the Yorkshire Society of Consultant Psychiatrists and he became the chairman of the Leeds branch of the National Association of Mental Health.

His wife died in 1992 but he coped well on his own and drove his own car until forced by an accident to give up at the age of 95.

Dr Valentine's former private secretary Betty Willis said: "His indomitable spirit and gregarious nature meant that one was almost always sure of a warm welcome at his home and until his final illness set in his intellectual powers remained as fine as ever."

He leaves two sons and one daughter, four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.