COMMUNITY figures from across Keighley have paid tribute following the death of district councillor Ian Greenwood.

And a book of condolence has been opened so people can record their sympathies.

The first person to sign the book – which will be in the reception area at City Hall, Bradford, until December 14 – was the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Keighley Central councillor Zafar Ali.

He said: "Councillor Greenwood was a great politician who served the Bradford district with energy and passion.

"He was respected widely for his work, and well loved by family and friends. He will be greatly missed."

Cllr Greenwood died on Monday, aged 68.

In a career in local politics spanning four decades, he was twice leader of the council.

He represented Little Horton ward from 1995 to 2012 and returned to the council this year to represent Bolton and Undercliffe. He had previously served as a county councillor on West Yorkshire County Council.

Among those to pay tribute is Keighley MP, John Grogan.

He said: "The poet Kipling defined a mature man as somebody who could treat triumph and disaster as two imposters just the same.

"Councillor Ian Greenwood lived up to this adage throughout his political life, whether in electoral defeat or victory.

"Born and bred in Bradford, he led the city through some tough times and helped lay the foundations of many of the successful projects coming to fruition today."

Keighley town councillor Michael Westerman, chairman of the watch and transport committee, said he was "very sad" to hear of his death.

"Cllr Greenwood was very supportive of the town council when it was first established," he added.

"He was a really nice, approachable guy who will be missed.

"Even after he’d lost his council seat in 2012, he still kept his finger on the pulse.

"He always wanted what was best for the whole of Bradford district, not just the centre of the city."

Kris Hopkins, who was Keighley's MP from 2010 until last year, said he was "shocked" at the news.

"He has been taken far too soon," said Mr Hopkins, himself a former Bradford Council leader.

"Anyone who met Ian was quickly made aware of his passion for Bradford.

"He loved the district and its people and wanted the very best for them.

"Ian’s reputation and sphere of influence also stretched far beyond Bradford and West Yorkshire.

"We had our political differences but I never doubted his motivation in fighting for what he believed in.

"He was one of Bradford’s finest public servants.

"I offer my sincere sympathies to the many people who will be grieving. It is very sad."

Tribute is also paid by current council leader, Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe.

"This is an enormous loss to Bradford district," she said.

"For a generation, Ian was possibly the most recognisable and certainly one of the most influential figures in Bradford politics.

"He was immensely proud to be able to serve the people of his home city which he loved dearly and he wore his passion for the place and its people like a badge of honour.

"Ian was a pragmatic, big tent politician motivated by an overwhelming desire to bring people together to do the right thing for Bradford. His leadership transcended cultural, community and political party boundaries and his legacy and impact will be long lasting."

The council's chief executive, Kersten England, said: "Many, many people have worked with Ian over the years and will be sharing a huge sense of loss. Ian worked tirelessly on behalf of Bradford bringing a unique and irreplaceable wealth of experience, wisdom and insight to his work."