TRIBUTE has been paid following the death of a popular Haworth man who founded a hugely-successful charity tractor run.

Stanley Turner started the Bronte Tractor Runs Group two decades ago.

The event began on a relatively small scale, with just a few tractors.

But over the years it has grown massively, to an event involving dozens of vehicles – and not just tractors.

Land Rovers, Jeeps and an array of other forms of transport have been a part of the convoys, with people coming from across the region and the other side of the Pennines to take part.

And over £40,000 has been raised for charitable causes.

Mr Turner instigated the event to raise funds for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance after a crew went to the aid of a friend who had collapsed and battled in vain to save him.

Speaking following the Christmas run two years ago, Mr Turner said: “A few of us got round a table to discuss how we could support this fantastic charity as a ‘thank you’ for what it did – and the tractor run was born.

“It began on a small scale but has just grown and grown over the years.

“The Yorkshire Air Ambulance is a lifesaving charity and it relies on donations to keep its helicopters flying.”

Whilst the air ambulance has always remained a beneficiary of the runs, other charities – including Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice Manorlands and Haworth Riding for the Disabled – have also received funds.

The Christmas tractor run has been a familiar sight to many as it headed off from the Colin Appleyard garage in Halifax Road, Keighley, to cover a route of 20-or-so miles – taking in a stop for coffee and mince pies and a collection in Haworth Main Street before finishing at the Bronte Hotel.

Despite the cancellation of many events since March due to the pandemic, Mr Turner’s son-in-law, David Allsopp, says it’s hoped this year’s run – scheduled for Sunday, December 27 – will still go ahead in honour of his father-in-law.

“He and I had already been out and planned a new route earlier in the year hoping that it would go ahead,” said David.

Mr Turner, who was 88, was well known around Haworth Main Street and across the village for his milk round, which he had recently handed over to his daughters Louise and Dawn – and David – due to ill health.

He died at Airedale Hospital on Wednesday with his wife of 55 years, Pat, and the family at his side.

David said: “Condolences have been flooding in after the announcing of his passing – and word spreads fast in a small village.

“He really was, as people have said, a local legend!”