SCOUTS will form a guard of honour today at the funeral of a well-loved Cub leader who died a few hours after being presented with a Scouting award.

Valerie Ward - known as Val - died suddenly, aged 69, shortly after attending a St George's Day parade in Bradford where she received the Award of Merit from the Scouting Association.

The award, in recognition for her dedicated service over 32 years, was handed to her at Bradford Cathedral in front of family and friends.

Mrs Ward, who lived at Fairweather Green, worked as a classroom assistant at Lidget Green Primary School for over 30 years and was a Cub leader at 46th Bradford North based at St Saviour's Church, Fairweather Green.

She was known to many within Scouting as Bagheera, or Baggy for short.

Her funeral will take place at 1.45pm today at St Saviour's Church, followed by cremation at Scholemoor Crematorium.

Children from her school are expected to line the street between Lidget Green Primary and the church and Scouts will form at guard of honour at the entrance to the church.

Daughter Alison Ward said her mum was still enjoying outdoor Scouting activities in her sixties, despite a health condition which made walking difficult.

"She was a very active lady despite being unwell with polymyalgia which affected her joints. She never let anything stop her. She did wall climbing, abseiling, every outdoor activity going. She was extremely popular and well-loved."

Her mother had proudly received the Scouting award at Bradford Cathedral in front of her grandchildren, Ethan, 17, and Eryn, 15, who are both keen Scouts.

"She was an extremely proud grandma as she was instrumental in their education," said her daughter.

"My daughter (Eryn) led the St George's Day parade which was a very proud moment for grandma."

Mrs Ward said she expected her mum's funeral to be packed with Scouts young and old, as well as current and former pupils and staff members from Lidget Green Primary School.

"We have had lots of messages from people in Scouting who have sent their condolences. People have said that she will leave a hole in their lives. And people have said that the school is very quiet without her.

"Some of the children are devastated, especially the little ones."

Bev Howard, group Scout leader at 46th Bradford North, paid tribute to her close friend, saying: "We have so much to thank Val for in her time with us.

"She has given her all to Scouting and supported the children in her care with zeal and tenacity.

"Over the last 30 years hundreds of young people have passed through the doors of St Saviour's to join the Cub Scouts with the majority leaving several years later more knowledgeable, worldly wise and confident.

"Her loss will leave a gaping hole in our group structure."

Mrs Ward, whose husband, Lynton, died several years ago, is survived by her children, Alison and Stephen, and two grandchildren.