Tributes have been paid to a former nurse known affectionately as Auntie Bessie, who has died at the age of 85.

Bessie Sugden, from Long Lee, who was well known on the wards of local hospitals and as a volunteer with Keighley groups, died on June 10.

Born in Glen Lee Lane, Keighley, she attended Keighley Girls' Grammar School and started off as an auxiliary nurse in St John's Hospital.

Miss Sugden started training as a nurse 60 years ago at St Luke's Hospital in Bradford. Once qualified she worked as a sister at Dewsbury and Skipton hospitals and as a school nurse in Bradford.

She moved on to Morton Banks Hospital and rose to the position of matron, retiring in 1973 as matron of Bingley Hospital.

Relative Janette Jones says: "She dedicated her life to nursing and many times she would stay after her shift duty to care for seriously ill patients. She was always friendly, had a good sense of humour and was really interested in people, particularly young people."

After retiring, Bessie did voluntary work for groups including the WRVS and Keighley Blind Home. She regularly attended the Church of the Nazarene in Oakworth Road and was superintendent of the Sunday School for many years.

Bessie also started and led an over 55's club called Silver Liners for more than 20 years. Mourners packed into the church for her funeral service last Wednesday.