THE co-founder of Rawdon-based air conditioning manufacturer Airedale International, and who was also instrumental in the formation of Bradford & Bingley Rugby Football Club, has died at the age of 73.

Peter Midgley, began the air conditioning company in 1974 with his late business partner Alan Duttine, who died in 2015, and remained joint managing director until the sale of the business to Modine Manufacturing, in May, 2005.

Both Mr Midgley and Mr Duttine were also founder members of Bradford & Bingley RFC in 1982.

Airedale began life operating in Batley.

As the business continued to prosper, it relocated to Park Mills, Rawdon, in 1979.

Airedale managing director, Tony Cole, said: “We are tremendously sad at the passing of Peter. He, along with Alan, had a sizeable vision in recognising the opportunities for specialised computer room cooling, a market which still sees us prosper today”.

Mr Midgley was born in Batley, the eldest of seven, and moved to Bradford with his family at a young age as his father worked at Holybrook Mills, in Greengates.

He started his career at Crofts Engineering in the city as a draughtsman and that’s where he met Alan Duttine and they went on become business partners.

Mr Midgley was an accomplished rugby union player, playing for both Keighley and Bingley in his youth.

His son, Andrew, aged 50, said: “He was immensely proud of what he achieved with Airedale, it was his baby. Having started it from scratch with Alan they were so proud of its success.”

Nick Patterson, secretary of Bradford & Bingley RFC said: “We are saddened by the news of Mr Midgley’s death and send our condolences to his family.

“He and Mr Duttine were the driving force behind the founding of the club 35 years ago. Even his son, Andrew, used to play for the club.

Mr Midgley leaves a wife, Bernice, four children: Andrew, Ruth, Emma and Claire, and three step-children, plus many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements are yet to be finalised.