A Keighley man who spent decades contributing to community life in his town has died, aged 92.

Desmond Jackson, of Long Lee, died in Airedale Hospital earlier this month.

He used to be a leading member of Keighley Gala Committee, Keighley Lions Club and Keighley Rugby League Football Club’s Supporter’s Association. He was also a Keighley News neighbourhood correspondent for many years.

Andrew Jackson, one of his two sons, said: “Anything he was involved in he’d always give it his all. He was never half-hearted.

“He had a very dry sense of humour and once you engaged him in conversation it was like turning on a tap – he could tell story after story.”

Mr Jackson senior was born in Knowle Park and educated at Keighley Technical School. He initially trained as an engineer, completing an apprenticeship.

But he decided not to stay in engineering, instead taking on a post at the Telegraph & Argus Newspaper, then working for Dewhirst Newsagents in Oakworth Road, Keighley.

In the early 1970s he began managing Buckles Newsagents, in the old Keighley Bus Station.

However, his longest stint of employment was as exhibition manager for Magnet Joinery, a job he did for roughly 25 years until his retirement.

Andrew Jackson said: “The work took him all over the country and he he loved being his own boss.”

His father’s professional career did not interrupt his long association with Keighley Gala.

During his time on the gala committee Mr Jackson served at different times as chairman, treasurer and secretary.

His son explained: “The gala was a huge event, with much bigger crowds than it’s had recently. My dad was part of it for 40 years and knowing him, he’d have first got involved by putting himself forward.

“He also had a 50 year association with Keighley Lions, and was Lions president three times.

“In the 1950s he was president of Keighley Rugby League Supporters Association, as well as chairman of the Yorkshire group of supporters associations.

“He watched the Keighley Rugby League team for many years and continued supporting them after they became the Cougars.”

Mr Jackson was Keighley News neighbourhood correspondent for Thwaites Brow and Long Lee for about 20 years, and lived in the Long Lee area for 52 years.

He is survived by his sons Andrew and Howard and his wife Mary, who he was married to for nearly 70 years.

He and Mary had met at a dance in Keighley and their wedding was at Lund Park Methodist Church.

Mr Jackson’s funeral is on March 6 with the first service at Oakworth Crematorium at 12.15pm and a second service at Long Lee Methodist Chapel at 1.30pm.