A WELL-known Keighley community stalwart who arrived in the town as a teenager from India more than 60 years ago has written a book about his life.

Charlie Bhowmick decided to put pen to paper to help occupy himself after undergoing major surgery for bowel cancer.

Now, some five years on, the fruit of his labours can be enjoyed.

From Calcutta to Keighley encapsulates the packed and colourful life of the 81-year-old, who has become synonymous with fundraising, campaigning and inter-faith relations in the town.

“When I came out of hospital I started to think about what I could do – and writing my memoirs had always been in my mind,” said Charlie.

“I had a lot of material which I’d accumulated over the years, which just needed putting into shape.

“It’s been a challenging experience but also very interesting and enjoyable.

“I’ve had a lot of support from people and I’m extremely grateful. I’ve never done anything like this in my life before, and my editor and printer were a massive help.”

When Charlie came to Keighley as a 17-year-old in 1954 to study mechanical engineering at the town’s college, he couldn’t have imagined what lay ahead.

Work-wise he served an apprenticeship with George Hattersley & Sons, but he left in the 1960s to join the old borough council and later spent two decades as a Bradford Council town planner in Keighley – until his retirement in 1994.

He married and had family, and threw himself into community activities.

Charlie was involved with Highfield People’s Action Group, the charity-boosting Keighley Cricket Academy, was instrumental in the formation of the town’s interfaith group, has helped protect and improve Utley Cemetery, was a school governor, has raised money for countless causes – from Keighley Disabled People’s Council to earthquake appeals – and played a major role in launching the Walking for Health initiative.

He was awarded the MBE in 2005 for his services to race and inter-faith relations.

From Calcutta to Keighley is being launched at an invitation-only event on Saturday, and after that will be available from Keighley Library.

Copies are free, but people are invited to make a donation to Yorkshire Cancer Research.