Friends of Cyril Arnold, the founder of Kensal Youth Club, in Southern Row, North Kensington, have paid tribute to 'a great man'.

Friends of Cyril Arnold, the founder of Kensal Youth Club, in Southern Row, North Kensington, have paid tribute to 'a great man'.

Mr Arnold, who was chairman of Kensal Youth Club between 1971 and 1991, died on December 22 at the age of 78. Until 1999, he gave his time voluntarily at the club, helping out with dance and musical drama.

Mr Arnold, who was chairman of Kensal Youth Club between 1971 and 1991, died on December 22 at the age of 78. Until 1999, he gave his time voluntarily at the club, helping out with dance and musical drama.

He also worked at the Dalgarno Community Centre, in Webb Close, North Kensington, helping at the club for disabled people.

He also worked at the Dalgarno Community Centre, in Webb Close, North Kensington, helping at the club for disabled people.

Gordon Deaville, the current chairman of Kensal Youth Club, remembers Mr Arnold as a generous man.

Gordon Deaville, the current chairman of Kensal Youth Club, remembers Mr Arnold as a generous man.

He said: "The youth club was only open in the evenings, but he could normally be found working at the club most of the day too. In his day, about 20 people used the youth club and he gave his time to help them. He was a great man."

He said: "The youth club was only open in the evenings, but he could normally be found working at the club most of the day too. In his day, about 20 people used the youth club and he gave his time to help them. He was a great man."

Mr Arnold's wife Eileen, who also devoted much of her time to the club, died several years ago, and he leaves behind two sons, John and Michael, and a daughter Joyce.

Mr Arnold's wife Eileen, who also devoted much of her time to the club, died several years ago, and he leaves behind two sons, John and Michael, and a daughter Joyce.

Mr Arnold's funeral will be held today on Thursday at West London Crematorium, in Harrow Road, North Kensington.

Mr Arnold's funeral will be held today on Thursday at West London Crematorium, in Harrow Road, North Kensington.

His family has requested no flowers, but donations to Macmillan Nurses can be sent to undertakers Barnes and Son, 236 Uxbridge Road, Shepherd's Bush, W12 7JD.

His family has requested no flowers, but donations to Macmillan Nurses can be sent to undertakers Barnes and Son, 236 Uxbridge Road, Shepherd's Bush, W12 7JD.