TRIBUTE has been paid to a Labour Party stalwart following his death aged 75.
Martin Burgess was chair of Keighley & Ilkley Labour Party's Worth Valley branch.
Outside politics he had a distinguished teaching career, and was a respected figure in cricketing circles.
John Grogan, Keighley's Labour MP between 2017-19, says: "Martin was the very best of the Labour Party, perfectly balancing deeply-held principles with the pragmatism needed to get things done.
"His generous personality ensured Worth Valley was always the most welcoming of branches. Meetings under his direction were both a social night out with friends and a forum for sharp, but respectful, debate.
"He lived out his political beliefs in both his work as a headteacher and his enthusiasm for cricket, always striving to ensure everybody’s talents were encouraged whatever their background."
Kent-born Martin's first teaching roles were in Cheshire.
He then served as deputy head at Buttershaw Upper School, from 1988-92, before taking up headships in Lancashire.
His cricketing exploits included playing stints with Harden and Haworth Road Methodists.
After retiring as a player, he was Craven League umpires’ appointment secretary for 12 years, and became the league's chair in 2020. He was made a life member at the last annual meeting.
His funeral service is at Oakworth Crematorium on Friday, May 16, at 10.45am.
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