Tributes are being paid to Bradford councillor Michael Kelly, who has died aged 70.

Coun Kelly, who lived in Addingham, represented the Craven ward on Bradford Council for a past decade.

He is best known for being the portfolio holder for children’s services and education from 2009 to 2010.

Despite battling a long illness, Coun Kelly continued as a councillor until his death.

His close friend and fellow councillor, Coun Andrew Mallinson, said: “Michael really enjoyed his role as executive member of children’s services. He was always very calm and dedicated and did his best to make sense of a very difficult job.”

Keighley MP Kris Hopkins said: “During my period as leader of Bradford Council, I had the privilege of appointing Mike to the position of portfolio holder for children’s services. It was a role he fulfilled with great distinction.”