A former Lord Mayor of Bradford has died aged 94.

Edward Newby OBE passed away in his sleep at Cliffe Vale Residential Nursing Home in Frizinghall.

Former Bradford Labour Party leader Mr Newby served as the city's Lord Mayor between 1969 and 1970 before going on to become leader of West Yorkshire County Council in the early 1970s. He retired from politics in the mid 1970s.

Daughter Beryl Atkins said Mr Newby, a staunch supporter of Bradford Northern and Bulls rugby league club, had been a popular figure whose door remained open to many Bradford residents after his retirement. "He was always willing to listen to people and offer advice," she said.

"Even after his retirement he always kept up with what was going on in the city."

Mr Newby, born on Laurel Street in Laisterdyke, attended St Peter's School in Thornbury before leaving aged 14.

He later worked at Garnett's mill in Apperley Bridge, before joining the army as an infantryman during the Second World War. After the conflict, he rejoined Garnett's before moving to Idle textile firm Collins and Cawthra.

He became involved in politics through the National Union of Dyers, Bleachers and Textile Workers, which led to election as councillor for the Bradford South ward in the late 1950s.

He married late wife Ethel in 1947 aged 26.

Mrs Atkins said: "He made a total commitment to the people of Bradford.

"He would work nights at the mill and then attend council meetings during the day. He was very proud to have come from Bradford and always maintained a basic trust in people."

Mr Newby was a member of Undercliffe Cricket Club and Bradford Theosophical Society.

He leaves daughter Beryl, son Terence and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. A funeral service will take place at a date yet to be arranged.