Roger Banks, founder of wholesaler Mr Scratchings Ltd, sadly passed away at the age of 79 after a long battle with cancer in the early hours of Saturday morning.

He leaves behind long-standing partner Annabelle Tomkins, son Tim Banks and his wife Lisa, daughter Tracy Ashley, and grandsons Declan and Lewis Ashley.

Roger was described as a "larger-than-life figure" and a "great inspiration" to all who met him by those at the business.

He was also an avid Bradford (Park Avenue) supporter, taking after his father Tom who has a trophy named in his honour which City and Avenue play for every pre-season.

City and Avenue playing for the Tom Banks trophy earlier this season (Image: Thomas Gadd.)

Paying tribute to his dad, Tim said: "He had the business, Avenue and was the Bradford Golf Union president in the early 2000s.

"So if you put those three together, that is a big field of people you get to know.

Roger Banks was the Bradford Golf Union president in 2002 (Image: Social media)

"He was like Del Boy my dad, he could sell anything to anybody. He was a market trader.

"He used to work for Mars Ltd and got early retirement. He has been selling all of his life.

"He had bone cancer for five years and slowly went downhill over the years.

"The worst came quite quickly which is probably a blessing."

Tim Banks, right, took over the business from dad Roger in 2007 (Image: Newsquest)

Roger started Mr Scratchings in 2002 and the business has grown leaps and bounds ever since with Tim taking over in 2007.

Tim added: "He build a brilliant foundation which I took to the next level to where we are now.

"It is a monster now, we sell everything. The pork scratchings is just one of the hundreds of products."

Tim and the family hope Roger's ashes can be placed on the hallowed turf at the Horsfall Stadium.

Horsfall Stadium (Image: Bradford (Park Avenue))

"Bradford (Park Avenue) ran through his veins," added Tim.

"My dad loved the club all of his life.

"Electric Avenue (the song played when the Bradford players come out for kick-off) is getting played at his funeral."

Avenue said his "incredible generosity" earned him friendships all around the club as they paid tribute with a heartwarming statement over the weekend.

All are welcome to attend Roger's funeral at 1.20pm on Friday, September 23 at Nab Wood Crematorium.

This will be followed by people meeting at Headley Golf Club to pay tribute.