A SILSDEN man who loved shooting and "living life to the full" has died.

John Hinchliffe, 73, died at his home at Moorcock Hall, on Silsden Moor, on October 18.

Mr Hinchliffe was born in Keighley but spent much of his life shooting with his friends on Hawkswick Moor.

A funeral service for Mr Hinchliffe was held on Saturday at St Oswald's Church in Arncliffe, with a celebration of his life held afterwards in the Tennant Arms at Kilnsey.

His daughter, Sophie Hinchliffe, said her father's funeral was held in the Dales because of his love for shooting on Hawkswick Moor.

"His grandfather owned a bungalow near Hawkswick, where he did his shooting," said Sophie. "He used to take big groups of his friends up there. My dad lived life to the full."

He was the grandson of Mark Nutter, owner of one of the biggest mills in Skipton in the early to mid-20th century.

Mr Hinchliffe was also a business owner himself, running Foulds Ltd in Keighley for many years.

The business, which was originally a tannery, later converted into manufacturing synthetic conveyer belts.

In addition to shooting, Mr Hinchliffe loved horses and the outdoors.

"He planted lots of woods on Silsden Moor with views of Beamsley Beacon," said Suzanne Hinchliffe, his wife of 28 years.

"He was a very kind and outgoing person who got on with everyone," she added.

Known for his strength of character, Mr Hinchliffe also had a toughness which kept him going.

"John had a big heart operation eight years ago and the doctors only gave him six months to live," said Suzanne. "He was strong and battled on."

He is survived his wife, Suzanne, two daughters, Tamsin Garvey and Sophie Hinchliffe, a son, Jonathan Hinchliffe, and one grandson.