MAURICE Colbeck was one of Yorkshire's proudest champions.
The author, who has died at the age of 79, was one of the founders of the Yorkshire Life magazine.
He also wrote a string of books about the county he loved.
Mr Colbeck, of Soothill Lane, Soothill, Batley, was one of the leading lights behind the magazine Yorkshire Life.
He was its editor for many years and, in all, was involved with the publication for more than 40 years.
Mr Colbeck was also the author of many books about Yorkshire and championed the White Rose county at every opportunity.
His works included Yorkshire, My Yorkshire, What's Funny About Yorkshire?, Made in Yorkshire and Yorkshire Moorlands.
Mr Colbeck suffered from Alzheimer's disease and donations from his funeral service will go to the Alzheimer's Society.
He leaves a widow, Brenda, and two children, Anne and Peter.
His funeral was at Ebenezer Methodist Church in Hanging Heaton, followed by cremation at Dewsbury.
