Tribute has been paid to Skipton man Douglas Riddiough who has died at the age of 81.

Mr Riddiough was chairman of the local branch of Parkinson’s UK and, just two days before his death, had enjoyed a lunch with members and presided over the subsequent meeting.

Member Allan Cawood said: “Not only will his thoughtfulness, his sincerity, his consideration and his great desire for a specialist nurse in the Craven area be greatly missed but he also attended many divisional meetings where he was respected by the many Parkinson’s staff whom he knew.

“Our meetings will never be the same without his knowledge, wit and his way of contacting all members.”

Mr Riddiough also enjoyed and appreciated good music - in fact, the Parkinson’s committee bought him two tickets for the proms last year - and was a long-serving member of Skipton Music.

Concerts secretary Bunty Leder said: “Douglas, was for a great many years, a member of Skipton Music. In more recent years he reviewed the concerts which were printed in the Craven Herald and his musical knowledge could not be surpassed. He will be greatly missed by the music society.”

Mr Riddiough was also heavily involved with St Andrew’s Church, Skipton, where a service of thanksgiving will be held tomorrow (Friday) at 11.45am.

His working life saw him teach at Belle Vue Boys’ School, Bradford, before being appointed divisional education officer for Skipton and principal upper schools officer for Bradford on reorganisation in 1974.

But family was the most important part of his life. He and his late wife, Eileen, had four children, Jacky, Cal, Rachel and Helen, and nine grandchildren.