A former Oxenhope Parish Council chairman was remembered as a "just and righteous man" at a memorial service in the village last Friday.

Derek Allen, who was 76, died in Manorlands hospice on February 10. His committal service was also held last Friday, at Oakworth Crematorium.

His son, Kevin, said his father had been a devoted family man, a great listener and an extremely generous person.

Mr Allen, pictured, was born in London and began his career working for a structural engineer. He completed his national service in the RAF, where he worked in an underground bunker helping to plot aircraft movements.

Following his marriage, he and his wife, Camilla, bought their first home in Manchester, though he later moved to work in the structural engineering department at Bradford Council.

He came to Oxenhope in 1987 and became heavily involved in community activities following his retirement in 1993.

Kevin said: "I will always remember the generosity of my dad and the fact that, even when he was retired, he would insist on paying for lunches or coffees when we were out."

He said his father's hobbies included wine making, sailing, watching cricket and gardening.

Oxenhope parish councillor Reg Hindley described Mr Allen as a "selfless public servant".

He said he made immense contributions to village life during his time on the parish council. These included working to secure and maintain the Millennium Green, helping organise the annual village fete, seeking funding for public projects and promoting youth work and sports facilities.

Mr Hindley added: "For a man with such vigour and drive he was remarkably difficult to fall out with. He respected people and trusted them, and they reciprocated his trust.

"Many have said how they felt him a true gentleman', but that isn't good enough, for a gentleman so often delegates the dirty work, whereas Derek got down to it and set a lead in doing it."