Allan Ripley, a well-known lifelong resident of Skipton, died peacefully in his sleep at home on Friday.

Allan was the third child of Eva and Alf Ripley, later caretakers at the Midland Bank. As a tiny child he contracted TB which resulted in the straight leg for which he will be remembered, particularly when as a postman from 1966 to 1998 he rode a one pedal bike.

He had spent much of his childhood in hospital, but never once complained.

Allan’s first career was in shoe repairing with a cobbler’s shop in Otley Street. After seeing Billy Graham speak at Wembley, and having been a lifelong worshipper at the Baptist Church, Allan decided to offer himself for service with the Baptist Missionary Society and spent two happy and fulfilling years in the Congo dispensing aid to Angolan refugees. He returned and got married.

Allan was always a keen sportsman. He was president of Whinfield Bowling Club and still retained a connection with the Keighley Table Tennis League with whom he played for many years.

In fact, recently a trophy was presented in his name, to continue for as long as there is a league. He was renowned for his consistent winning of Personality of the Year.

He will always be a hero to his wife Daphne, children Joanna, Gavin and Melanie and grandchildren, Bethany, Sasha, Leonie and Elodie.

There will be a private cremation and details of a memorial service at Skipton Baptist Church will be announced shortly.