A WELL-KNOWN Yorkshireman who worked with youth clubs for more than 40 years has died.

Cyril Bailey, 85, served the youth club movement for 41 years, 30 of them as organising secretary of the North Riding Association of Youth Clubs.

His job was to offer help and advice to clubs and to arrange interclub events, ranging from sports days to disco dancing competitions.

As well as visiting clubs nationwide, Mr Bailey was instrumental in setting up clubs for the disadvantaged under the Mencap banner and arranged holidays for groups of youngsters to places such as the Alps, Norway and Scotland.

One of the most significant events for the association was in 1970, when Mr Bailey raised a private loan to buy Carlton Lodge, a smallholding at Carlton Miniott, near Thirsk.

It became the association’s headquarters and the centre for activities.

It was opened in July 1971 by Princess Margaret, who said at the time that she had never before been given lunch in a converted hen house.

Throughout his working life, Mr Bailey had help and support from his wife, Jean, who survives him with their two sons and two daughters.

The couple were married for 59 years and, on Mr Bailey’s retirement in 1985, moved to Grewelthorpe, near Ripon, where he discovered a talent for watercolour painting.