Tribute has been paid to a “true gentleman”, who reported on events in Skipton for nearly 50 years and has died, aged 91.

Lewis Charles Branston was a well known figure in Skipton, working first for the Craven Herald and then for the Telegraph & Argus.

“Always accurate, he was respected by people of all shades of political opinion and from all walks of life for his fair and impartial reporting,” said Craven Herald editor Jack Heald when Charles retired in 1985.

He was born in 1920, the middle child of Ellen Hannah and Henry Cartman Branston. His great grandfather, the Rev William Cartman, was headmaster of Ermysted’s Grammar School and curate at Skipton Parish Church. He often took services at Haworth for his friend Patrick Bronte and he officiated at the funerals of both Patrick and Charlotte Bronte.

As a boy, Charles attended St Stephen’s and Ermysted’s Grammar Schools and Keighley Technical College.

In 1936 Charles joined the Craven Herald as a junior reporter and during the war served in the RAF with 29th Squadron. He worked as personal assistant to Wing Commander Guy Gibson.

Based in France, Charles played Rugby for Amiens and was a guest player with several leading French clubs. Indeed, it was said the club posters used to have beneath the team’s name “avec Monsieur Branston”.

After the war Charles returned to work at the Craven Herald and in 1947 he married Enid.

As a senior journalist he attended council meetings and magistrates’ court and many of the most momentous happenings in the district were reported by him.

Charles worked at the Craven Herald until 1964 when he left to manage Freddie Trueman’s sports shop in Skipton. He quickly decided he had made a mistake and returned to journalism, becoming Skipton and Dales reporter for the Telegraph & Argus.

Sport was a passion. He was a playing member of Skipton Rugby Club in its halcyon days and for many years held the record for the most tries scored.

Rugby club spokesman Paddy Murray said: “Charles was a gifted rugby player and was Skipton’s record try scorer, a record which stood for nearly 60 years. After his playing days, he sat on the committee for many years and remained a loyal fan.”

He also served on the committee at Sandylands Lawn Tennis Club and played to a good standard. He was a member of Skipton Golf Club, a keen angler and enjoyed a game of snooker.

Charles’ love of his life was his wife Enid. The couple had 62 years of marriage until Enid died three years ago. Charles, with the help of his daughter Carol, son in law David and grandchildren Andrew, Jonathan and Jenny, battled on without her.

He always lived with dignity and whenever the name Charles Branston is mentioned the words “a true gentlemen” often follow.

A funeral service will be held at Holy Trinity Parish Church, Skipton, on Monday at 1pm.