SHEPHERD Ian Siswick was a man who loved his work.

For 14 years, Mr Siswick, who died on June 16 at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary aged 61, had worked for the Jones family at Bank Top Farm, Marsden.

And he was a familiar figure, working the fields with his dogs.

It was a life he loved, although when he was born in Meltham it was not into a farm-oriented family.

His interest in animals and particularly sheepdogs began to show at an early age and he left behind his three sisters to visit friends who had farms or smallholdings.

He learned the skills of running dogs and it became a great part of his life.

He qualified many times for the English National Sheepdog Trials and in 1995 reached the International Trials, running his dog Skye at Mostyn, North Wales.

The following year he was overall champion at the Harden Moss Sheepdog Trials.

Mr Siswick was encouraged by his mother to get involved with Meltham Church and as a youngster he was head choirboy.

He also took part in church pantomimes.

He leaves Susan, a partner of 21 years, a daughter and son, three grandchildren, a son-in-law and two stepsons.

A funeral service, which included a horse-drawn hearse, was held at Helme Church on June 21.