A Keighley Gala stalwart is standing down after notching up an incredible 59 years on the committee.

Desmond Jackson, who is 77 today, has held every office during his mammoth stint with the charity event.

He said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed my years on the committee, but I just want to take things a bit easier now.

"I will miss the involvement, but I won't be losing touch altogether and will still try to get down to the gala each year."

Mr Jackson, of Thwaites Brow, first got involved in the event when he worked as a teenage apprentice at Widdop's engineering company, in Keighley.

"I used to walk part of the way home with the late Felvus Sunderland, who worked as an apprentice nearby, and he was on the gala committee.

"He asked if I wanted to join and the rest is history!"

Tribute was paid this week by gala chairman Brian Hudson.

He said: "Desmond has worked longer than anyone else on behalf of the gala and has been instrumental in helping to keep the event alive.

"To devote 59 years to it is a huge achievement and one to be very proud of.

"His contribution will be missed."