A Keighley rugby league 'great' this week celebrated his diamond wedding.

Len Ward, one of just 11 members of Keighley Cougars' "hall of fame", married his wife Eileen on March 30, 1946.

Len, who also played for Yorkshire, met Eileen at a dance at the old Keighley baths.

Len, originally from Castleford, then received a call-up to the army in 1945 before the pair got married at St Stephen's Church, Steeton, a year later.

They have lived in the Steeton and Eastburn area ever since. They have one daughter, two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Len signed for Keighley RLFC in 1944. He played for 12 years on the right wing, gaining a Yorkshire cap in the 1949/50 season.

He stayed loyal to the Lawkholme Lane club, despite a big money offer from Huddersfield.

Keighley fans also felt Len should have received Great Britain recognition.

Len, now 83, was inducted into the club's hall of fame at Cougar Park, along with Roy Sabine, in March 1999.

Len also extended his sporting talents to include snooker, bowls and cricket. He has also sung in the Steeton Male Voice Choir and worked as an engineer.

Eileen, 84, was born in Steeton and worked at the village's bobbin mill.

Len and Eileen held a party yesterday at their home at Queen Street, Steeton, for their family and friends.

A telegram from The Queen was expected to be delivered