A MAN known to hundreds of people through his youth and foster care work has died after a short illness.

Peter Davies, 49, formerly of Meltham, died at the home of his daughter, Hayley, at Bowshaw, Hade Edge.

Mr Davies, a self- employed builder, was born and raised in Huddersfield. He left in autumn, 2002, to start a new life with his wife, Jeanette, in Lanzarote.

But in less than a year he discovered he was suffering from cancer.

Mr and Mrs Davies, formerly of Stone Acre Heights, Meltham, returned last November. staying stayed in a static caravan in the grounds of their daughter's farm.

Mr Davies ran Marsden Open Youth Club in Brougham Road two nights a week for 17 years. It closed after his departure.

Mr Davies and his wife also fostered more than 40 children after they began fostering in 1993.

Mr Davies played pool for The Huntsman pub at Holmfirth and at The Foresters at Crosland Moor.

He moved to Lanzarote 18 months ago to help with his wife's health problems.

He leaves a wife, three children and two grandchildren.

His son, Gareth, said: "He was very sociable and could make friends in a room full of strangers in minutes.

"He requested that people come to the funeral in casual clothes and be happy."

The funeral will be at 1pm on Thursday at Christ Church, Helme.