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. 

Mr Scargill said: “Ken and I were comrades and personal friends for over 50 years.  No words can express the sense of loss I feel.”

Mr Lynch said: “Ken was one of the finest trade unionists of his generation, an NUM stalwart who put himself on the front line during the miners’ strike and dedicated his life to the fight for workers’ rights.”

Mr Capstick died in Bulgaria while visiting his son. His funeral will take place in Bulgaria, with a memorial event happening in Wakefield, West Yorkshire.

A tribute will appear in tomorrow’s Morning Star.