A CELEBRATION of life of Ilkley resident Peter Hawkesworth was held at The Kings Hall, Winter Gardens, Ilkley, on Sunday, January 7.

Peter died suddenly on November 24, 2023, aged 76 years and the celebration concert was organised by his sister-in-law, Ilkley district councillor Anne Hawkesworth.

Anne said: "All the available seating space was full. It was a memorable occasion for those present as the story of Peter's life was told in words and music. The music started with Moonlight Serenade as background, then varied from Rat Pack to He Ain’t Heavy. The finale was New York New York.

“I would like to thank all those friends who came to hear the interesting turns in his life, from being handed keys to a Cadillac for his use whilst in America by a daughter of Roosevelt to many trips to New York in a penthouse apartment next door to the Kennedys.

"I also must thank John Whitham and Mark Gregory for enabling it to happen.”