People from across Ilkley joined representatives of police, local organisations and civic dignitaries to pay their last respects to renowned community figure Geoffrey Vere MBE.

The funeral service for Mr Vere took place at Ben Rhydding Methodist Church, Wheatley Lane, last Tuesday.

The minister of Christchurch in Ilkley, the Rev Rob Hilton, officiated at the service, attended by many local figures and representatives of the organisations he was involved with.

Among them was the Deputy Lord Mayor of Bradford, Ilkley ward councillor Mike Gibbons, Ilkley Parish Council chairman Heathcliffe Bowen and Inspector Sue Sanderson, of Ilkley Neighbourhood Policing Team.

Mr Vere died last month at the age of 88, following a short illness.

He was best known as the driving force behind the development of Ilkley Good Neighbours scheme, but his legacy to the community of Ilkley also includes the founding of Ilkley Senior Citizens’ Club and designing the Clarke Foley Centre, of which he was founder chairman.

He was a prominent member of Ilkley Round Table and as well as founding Wharfe Valley Neighbourhood Watch, he served as a police volunteer.

Councillor Bowen read a eulogy at the service, speaking of the great legacy Mr Vere left to the town and his own personal debt to Mr Vere, encouraging him to become involved in community service which led to his career in the local authority and standing for the local council.

He told the congregation: “I am sure you will all have your own memories of Geoffrey and hopefully agree what an extra-ordinary man he was. For many of us here Geoffrey was important in our lives and we shall miss him very much. Geoffrey, Ilkley thanks you for all you have done.”

Councillor Gibbons also spoke about Mr Vere’s wider influence across the Bradford district through his voluntary work.

A collection took place for Marie Curie Cancer Care. The cremation was at Rawdon Crematorium.