RETIRED surgeon Geoffrey Bunch helped countless people during his 27 years working in Huddersfield.

But it was his tireless dedication after he retired from medical life that has led him to be nominated in the Friend of the Year category.

Geoffrey, 68, of Edgerton, played a vital role in clearing the name of disabled Lindley man Darryl Gee.

In January, 2001, Darryl was convicted of rape and indecent assault on a girl he had taught to play a musical instrument at a Huddersfield school in 1989 when she was 10.

She only made the allegations against him 10 years later. Darryl was jailed for eight years - but always protested his innocence.

He was 55 when he died in Armley Prison in Leeds in 2002, after a second appeal against his conviction failed.

Geoffrey was a friend of Darryl's parents, Molly and Kenneth. He became convinced that the music teacher's disability - a twisted spine - meant he could not be guilty. There was no evidence apart from his accuser's word.

Geoffrey contacted the Criminal Cases Review Commission - and in April this year Darryl was cleared.

Sadly his father, Kenneth, never saw the victory as he died seven months after his son.

Geoffrey was nominated by his daughter, Jane.

She said: "Over the years he has achieved great things and helped many people.

"My father only knew Darryl vaguely, but he felt compelled to see that any injustices were righted. Given the hurdles faced, a lesser man would have given up.

"Times of adversity always bring true friends to the fore. My father stepped up to the mark."

Geoffrey and his wife, Irene, also have a son and four grandchildren.