A Cleckheaton soldier has died on deployment with the United Nations in Cyprus.

Graham Bean, a Territorial Army soldier, of 73 Engineer Regiment (V), collapsed when he was patrolling the buffer zone which separates the Turkish-occupied north of the island from the Greek-controlled south. The Ministry of Defence said help was called for but he later died in hospital in the capital of Nicosia.

The 53-year-old, who was attached to 3 Royal Anglian Group, was serving as part of the United Nations Peace Keeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP). Patrols are conducted by UN troops using vehicles, foot or mountain bikes.

Captain Matt Lindow, spokesman for the UK UNFICYP contingent, said: “The soldier was taking part in a mountain biking activity during which he was taken ill.

“Following evacuation to hospital in Nicosia he was later pronounced dead.

“His commitment and selfless dedication to the Territorial Army will not be forgotten, he will be dearly remembered by all who have had the privilege to serve with him. We offer heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. We will remember him.”

Mr Bean leaves his wife, 44-year-old Michele, daughters 17-year-old Nikki and 26-year-old Hazel, and son, David, 28.

Nikki said they were told of her father’s tragic death when two Army officials knocked on the door of their home late on Tuesday night.

“They said it was a suspected heart attack,” she said. “There is going to be a post-mortem examination and they will fly him home.”

Nikki said her father had been in the TA for 37 years and had toured in Iraq and Bosnia.

“He really enjoyed it,” she said. “He flew out to Cyprus on April 1 and he was due to stay six months.

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