ONE of Ilkley's leading community crusaders is stepping down after four years in the hot seat.

Bob Tilley, of Ben Rhydding Drive, has resigned as chairman of Ilkley Civic Society due to work commitments abroad.

"It's very difficult when you are travelling to keep an eye on things," said Mr Tilley, a chartered accountant. "It's right that I stand down. I'm just not going to meetings."

Mr Tilley, 59, right, who has also resigned as treasurer of Ilkley Carnival, said he was proud of the civic society's achievements during his time at the top.

"A lot was achieved in four years and a number of people came up to me in the last year or two and said the civic society is really doing something," he said.

"I helped form the Ilkley Design Statement Group and the Friends of the Kings Hall. But my piece de resistance was that the public can now attend planning meetings at the parish council."

Mr Tilley has now handed over the campaigning reins to new chairman Helen Kidman.

She said: "Bob Tilley was a very committed and enthusiastic chair and we have all benefited from his efforts over the last four years. We are glad that he's staying on the committee. We are now busy planning next year's programme of events."