A MAN well-known in Ilkley for his tireless charity work has died aged 68.

Jeffrey Martin, pictured right, died peacefully at Ardenlea, Marie Curie Cancer Care home, after a

two-month battle against liver cancer.

Mr Martin has been praised for his commitment to serving the community. Mr Martin, who moved to Ilkley 15 years ago, devoted much of his time to various committees.

A life-long love of rugby was sparked during his school days at Darlington Boys Grammar School.

Mr Martin, who retired eight years ago, was heavily involved with Ilkley Rugby and Football Club.

Ken Bernard, secretary of the club, said: "In my years in Ilkley, Jeff did more for rugby than anybody I know. He was an exceptionally hard worker. He was interested in young people still making their way in rugby and in old lads who were making their way down. He was also on so many committees throughout the community."

Mr Martin was also a member of the Airedale and Wharfedale Cup committee and ran the Yorkshire Second 15 merit tables.

Jim Chapman, District 12 representative to the Yorkshire Rugby Football Union, said: "I am devastated at Jeff's death. He was the kind of bloke who wasn't interested in the first 15 but was interested in the grass roots of rugby.

"He worked tirelessly for these lads and was

willing to give up his time.

"His enthusiasm for the game was unlimited. He will be sorely missed."

He was also a committee member of Ilkley Cricket Club.

Mr Martin also lent his time to various charitable and voluntary organisations within the community. He was a long-standing member of the Ilkley Carnival Committee.

Andrew Munroe, chairman of the committee, said: "Jeff was an outstanding contributor to the Carnival Committee. He was very well liked. He will be sorely missed this next year and we are missing him already.

"He was one of those guys who did such a lot for so many organisations.

"Every organisation that had the benefit of his help will be the worse off for it."

Mr Martin served the Ilkley Council for Voluntary Services for many years. He also distributed Talking Newspapers.

Betty Lievesley, who worked with Mr Martin at both charities, said: "When our previous co-ordinator at the ICVS died, he took over and kept the whole thing going for us.

"He was a power of strength to us when we needed him.He distributed the Talking Newspapers most

willingly and cheered a lot of blind people up with his good temper and natural humour. He was very well thought of."

The stalwart volunteer also served on Bradford Metropolitan District Council Schools Appeal Panel.

Asad Shah, of the scheme, said: "He worked as a lay person making decisions on behalf of children wanting to attend Bradford schools. He was a very competant and nice man."

He also worked as a lay minister for residential homes and on Airedale Community Health Council.

Mr Martin was born in Cullercoats, Northumberland, in 1932. He spent 40 years working for the Ministry of Defence. He travelled extensively with his work, including stints in the Middle East.

Mr Martin leaves behind his wife of 40 years, and three sons.