A former Haworth woman who spearheaded a fund to save the lives of fellow council workers has lost her battle against cancer.

Ann Beattie wanted to give workmates across the district a better chance of life by funding early diagnosis if they showed cancer symptoms.

The aim is for Bradford Council's 20,000 employees to give £1 a month to be used for private diagnosis for people on NHS cancer waiting lists.

Despite Ann's death last week the Ann Beattie Cancer Diagnostic Emergency Fund is expected to be up and running by the end of the year.

Ann, 46, was the council's emergency planning manager, overseeing its response to crises ranging from severe weather to terrorist attacks.

She was instrumental in handling the flooding of the River Aire in Keighley, and met the Queen in 1999 through her job.

Ann, who had two sons, was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1997 and underwent a mastectomy. The disease returned and several months ago she discovered she was terminal.

Ann came up with the idea of the emergency fund, and with support from council bosses investigated how it could be run. Roz Hall, Ann's friend and colleague, said that when cancer was again diagnosed Ann wanted to do something that would benefit other people.

She said: "Ann was immensely popular, lots of people liked her.

"She was very passionate about her job, Bradford, her family and friends."

Council leader Margaret Eaton praised the work, attitude and fighting spirit of the woman she worked closely with.

She said: "I have known Ann for many years and I find it hard to believe I won't see her friendly, smiling face anymore."

Former Greenhead School student Ann, who lived in Shipley, leaves two sons, a partner Trish, mother and father Joe and Tina Brinton, and a brother Tony.