A pioneering youth leader, who introduced holiday play schemes and summer camps across the Bradford district, has died.

Dawn Turtle, who was 81, worked as a senior youth, community and education officer at Bradford Council for more than two decades.

Starting her youth work at Ilkley Grammar School and Prince Henry’s Grammar School in Otley, she was said to be the first person in the UK to create and deliver play schemes for children during the school holidays.

She also set up junior leader courses for trainee youth workers and organised annual trips to Morecambe.

Her daughter Jane Pearson said: “Dawn’s great passion was always young people and they would gravitate towards her. She was tenacious, but with a heart of gold.”

Carl Dalton, community play and activities development manager at Bradford Council, was mentored by Dawn and described her as a “great champion for children’s rights and opportunities.”

Dawn passed away at Croft House Residential Care Home in Eastburn, Keighley, on January 14.