A well-known Haworth character has died, aged 84, following a short illness.

John Snowden ran a greengrocers in Mill Hey for 60 years. He died in Airedale Hospital last Sunday evening.

He was born in Haworth’s Main Street to parents who also managed a greengrocers and general store. He began working at his parents’ business then set up his own shop in Mill Hey when he married. He continued working until he was 83.

His partner, Barbara, said: “He was extremely well known and very kind. He’d do anything for anybody – he was a real character.

“He loved to chat to people, he was very gregarious, and he loved driving – we drove all over Europe and had some really nice holidays. His passion was Jaguar cars.

“When he was young he served in the Royal Marines. He was proud of that.”

She added that Mr Snowden had been a member of the old Keighley Borough Council for many years. He was an alderman, chairman of the parks and cemeteries committee, and served on other committees. He was also treasurer of Haworth Conservative Club.

His Mill Hey business is still operating and is now run by his eldest son.