A man who devoted over three-quarters of a century to Steeton Male Voice Choir has died, aged 99.

Arthur Wilson was the choir's longest serving member and was still in fine voice until his latter years.

During his time with the choir, he served as president, conductor and musical director and held an impressive record for attending concerts and rehearsals.

In 2000 he was awarded the MBE for services to music.

The son of a farmer, Mr Wilson worked as a bookbinder with Briggs Brothers of Silsden for 50 years from leaving school.

He was married to the late Ruth and the couple had two sons, Christopher and Richard, and a daughter, Elizabeth.

A Bradford City fan, he used to enjoy taking his sons to home games, and he was also a keen supporter of, and player for, Steeton Cricket Club.

But his passion was for music, and the pianist and singer showed his talent at a young age at Sunday School, going on to join the Steeton Methodist church choir - for which he was choirmaster for many years.

He joined Steeton Male Voice Choir in 1922 and was still an active member until his mid-nineties.

A baritone, he was a stalwart soloist and became well known in the circuit, singing at concerts and festivals around the world.

For the past two years he was a resident at Currergate Nursing Home, where he entertained staff and residents regularly with his voice.

Even through his illness he would practice for an hour each day.

When he was awarded the MBE, members of the choir came to the home for a special celebration, during which Mr Wilson sang his last public solo: "When Song is Sweet".

It was a moving time for the choir members, many of whom will be attending Mr Wilson's funeral today (Friday) at Steeton Methodist Church.

Fellow choir-member and friend David Town said that Mr Wilson was an example to the whole choir and that he would be greatly missed.

"He was a very quiet, modest and private person who appeared to be very unassuming, yet has led and set an example to his fellow members through his whole hearted devotion to music, which has earned admiration, respect and affection from the whole choir, and audiences past and present," said Mr Town.