The father of a student killed while on holiday in Malaysia has paid tribute to the community which has supported his family.

As previously reported, Joanna Stillwell, 23, was killed when a motorboat hit her while she was snorkelling with her brother off the Malaysian island of Redang on Saturday.

Miss Stillwell had been spending a three-week holiday in the south east Asian country with parents John and Janet, of Bradford Road, Guiseley, and her brother, Nicholas, 18, who have since returned home.

She had spent the last 14 months travelling in Malaysia and Thailand and working in Australia.

Since returning home Miss Stillwell's relatives say they have been helped greatly by an outpouring of sympathy from her friends, former teachers and the wider community.

Her father, a University of Leeds geography professor, said: "There are so many words, so many tributes that people have made that I almost have a maelstrom of thoughts going through my head.

"A lot of local people have been very supportive; we've lived in Guiseley since Joanna was born, both our children went to Tranmere Park Primary and then Guiseley School.

"It's been really nice to have one of her old teachers around to offer their condolences and have a chat, and we've had various tributes and cards from pupils and staff at both schools.

"A lot of the former pupils, both from the primary and secondary, have been in contact and been around, too.

"Many of the older ones are coming back from various parts of the world to say their goodbyes to her when the funeral is held next week sometime.

"Joanna radiated a warmth and love, both to older people and her contemporaries, which was exceptional and the things people have said about her have been very, very moving."

Miss Stillwell's body was due to arrive back with the family today.

The family have not been able to finalise funeral arrangements, but know what they would like to happen.

Mr Stillwell said: "We hope the ceremony will be in Guiseley but I can't confirm that because we haven't talked to the vicar yet. But we're thinking about having it in St Oswald's Church, where she was baptised.

"Joanna seemed to have a charisma, warmth and love which touched unbelievably many people."

l Police in Malaysia have been investigating the circumstances of the tragedy.

They have been interviewing tourists and locals on Redang to find out if the boat had gone into waters reserved for swimmers and snorkellers.