A popular pharmacist who used to work at Airedale Hospital has died aged 86.

Charles Whitehead, known as Richard, served thousands of patients across Airedale when he worked behind the pharmacy counter at the Steeton hospital between 1971 and 1985.

Mr Whitehead’s widow, Enid, said: “So many people knew him and loved him.”

He died in his sleep at Croft House, Eastburn, last Tuesday.

A funeral service will be held at Steeton Methodist Church on Thursday at 1.30pm, followed by cremation by Waltonwrays, Skipton.