TRIBUTES have been paid to a highly-respected councillor who served for more than 22 years on a parish council near Keighley.

The funeral of Barbara Smith, who died last week, will take place at Skipton Crematorium on March 9 at 11.40am.

Cllr Smith, a widow and a former nurse at Bradford Royal Infirmary, lived in Sutton-in-Craven for 43 years and was elected on to the village's parish council in 1995. She was chairman between 1996 -1999.

Sutton-in-Craven Parish Council clerk Denise Emmott said Cllr Smith had been "an ambassador for the village."

She added: "Barbara took great pride in her role as parish councillor. All of us at Sutton-in-Craven Parish Council send our thoughts to her family. We will all miss her greatly.

"She took a keen interest in village life, the welfare of older people and the disabled.

"Barbara gave 110 per cent to her role and was always there to give advice and offer a hand.

"She was part of the Sutton-in-Craven Park Restoration Committee and played a major role in obtaining funding for the restoration of the park in 2002/03, and overseeing it.

"Barbara attended and represented many committees and organisations including the Patient and Carer Panel, Airedale Hospital, The Community Centre, previously the Senior Citizens Centre, and South Craven Elderly Initiative Group which received a Queen’s Jubilee award.

The award recognised its work in the community, and South Craven Over 50’s Forum, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2015. Barbara was the secretary and had been involved in the group since 1994.

"Barbara worked hard and was widely respected. She’s been a great advocate for the village and she will be greatly missed."