Conservative councillor David Emmott has died after a battle with oesophagus cancer.

He died on Wednesday at Manorlands, where he was moved to last week, at the age of 63. He was diagnosed with cancer just before last Christmas, and had undergone chemotherapy and an operation to remove the cancer.

The retired businessman had served as Craven councillor since 1999. He had also served on Steeton-with-Eastburn Parish Council, including as a former chairman, for ten years.

Cllr Emmott was formerly a butcher and later ran a small home nursery and landscaping business in Eastburn. Tributes came in from his colleagues yesterday.

Cllr Andrew Mallinson, chairman of Keighley Area Committee, said: "He is going to be extremely and sadly missed, not just as a colleague but as a dear friend.

"He will be missed by myself, councillors, friends and those who he helped over the years. He was a lovely man."

Cllr Jason Humphreys, chairman of Steeton-with-Eastburn Parish Council, said: "He was a wonderful man. He was a mentor to me.

"He was a very warm, genuine person and loved his work. He has been a close friend as well as a councillor."

Cllr Emmott leaves behind a wife, Anne, three children Jonathan, Sallie and Margaret, and three grandchildren.

The bells at City Hall tolled yesterday morning to mark his death. Flags at both City Hall and Keighley Town Hall were flown at half-mast.