PEOPLE from across the community have paid tribute following the death this week of one of the district’s best known and most popular figures.

Local historian Ian Dewhirst had compiled the Memory Lane column for the Keighley News, the Telegraph & Argus' sister paper, for more than a quarter of a century, and gave countless talks to organisations throughout the Bradford district and beyond.

The 82-year-old retired reference librarian, who lived in the Fell Lane area of Keighley, also wrote several books.

He received the MBE 20 years ago in honour of his services to local history, was awarded a doctorate by Bradford University and even had a diesel train named after him.

Andy Wade – of the Keighley Men of Worth Project, which is researching the lives of those who served in the world wars and other conflicts – described Ian as “legendary”.

He said Ian had been hugely supportive of both himself and his project colleague, Ian Walkden.

“He always took time to suggest further local sources of information and was very helpful,” said Mr Wade.

“As a local historian he was legendary.

“He is responsible for the unique archive we have in Keighley Library and he managed to make history come alive for so many people.

“He always injected humour into his talks, which was a great way of putting people at ease."

Steven Wood, 71, who has written several local history books, had known Ian for many years – since regularly visiting Keighley Library as a young teenager and later carrying out research in the reference section.

“I had the very highest regard for Ian,” he said.

“He was a friend and an inspiration. Without Ian being at the library, and knowing him afterwards, I don’t think I would have written the books that I have.

“He was certainly very important to my development as local historian."

He suggests a fund should be set-up to raise money in Ian’s name to benefit the Keighley Local Studies Library.

Mr Wood added: “There has to be some sort of memorial either on or inside the library, something such as a blue plaque.”

Fellow local historian and author, Maurice Baren, said he was shocked to hear of Ian’s death.

“He was devoted to preserving everything of value in history and he made it meaningful to ordinary folk,” Mr Baren added.

“When he gave talks he never requested a fee – he just enjoyed enlightening and amusing everyone."

Former councillor Graham Mitchell, who served as Keighley’s town mayor, said he was “shocked and greatly saddened” at the news.

“Ian was the greatest living historian in Keighley and a true gentleman and I’ll greatly miss his dry wit and pithy comments on modern life,” said Mr Mitchell.

“We’ve lost a true son of Keighley.”

Fellow Oakworth resident and community stalwart Janet Armstrong said: “I went to school with Ian’s sister and I listened to his history talks, which were interesting and funny.

“He was a gentle, kind man and I’m very sorry that he has passed away. The extent of his knowledge of Keighley was unbelievable.”

Ian, a bachelor, retired in 1991 after 24 years as reference librarian.

He began producing the Memory Lane column for the Keighley News the following year. That is appearing as normal this week and Ian’s final contribution will be carried, as a tribute, in the next edition.

Telegraph & Argus editor, Nigel Burton, said: “It’s very sad for the people of the district to have lost such a great local historian and such a lovely man.

"We know the people who enjoyed his many talks and presentations about the area’s heritage will be saddened to hear of his death.”

Ian was due to give the Immortal Memory toast at a Burns Night event in Haworth tomorrow, which is raising funds for the village’s parish church. The event is going ahead, with a tribute to Ian.