TRIBUTES have been paid to Ken Capstick, a leading figure in Yorkshire and British trade unionism, following news of his death.

Mr Capstick, 84, was vice-president of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) Yorkshire Area from 1990-94 when the Tory government unleashed its most devastating programme of pit closures and destruction of coal-mining communities.

Former NUM president Arthur Scargill and RMT general secretary Mick Lynch were among those lauding his legacy today.