A man who had no interest in steam trains when he started as a shop manager for the Vintage Carriages Trust but became one of the most familiar faces in the world of heritage railways, has died aged 62.

Bob Stott — affectionately known as “Wobbly Bob” to his friends — collapsed in The Livery Rooms, in North Street, Keighley.

He died the next day, December 22, in Airedale Hospital, Steeton.

Mr Stott, a single man, of Coronation Way, Keighley, who spent 15 years as shop manager at the VCT office, in Ingrow, had arrived as a volunteer after being made redundant from his job as a sales manager. He was promoted to shop manager in 1992.

Close friend Geoff Smith, of Bankfield Street, Keighley, said: “He was one of Keighley’s true characters. His second home was The Livery Rooms.

“He got his name as Wobbly Bob in the days when the Grinning Rat was the most popular pub in town.

They served a real ale called Wobbly Bob which he was fond of.

“There’s some debate whether the beer was named after him or the other way round. Whatever, he was a great character and will be missed.”

Michael Cope, of the VCT, said: “When he arrived he had no interest in railways but over the years became an expert in his field.

“He became known to a lot of people interested in steam railways when he took over as shop manager.

He was friendly and loved to meet the wide variety of people who came into the shop.

“And, of course, he also had a wide selection of friends at Wetherspoon’s, in Keighley. We will miss him a lot.”

Mr Stott’s funeral took place at Oakworth Crematorium, on Monday .