An air of sadness has this week surrounded Guiseley Amateur Operatic Society's production of Me and My Girl following news of the death of former secretary Mary Eggleston. She was 85.

Miss Eggleston, who died at Guiseley's Ghyll Royd nursing home, was a member of the society for 65 years, 35 of them as secretary. She was due to attend the matinee performance of this year's show on Saturday when she would have received a commemorative five year stud to add to her 60 year diamond medal for long service to the amateur stage.

Miss Eggleston first joined the society in 1936, subsequently appearing in the chorus and playing minor principal roles. She became secretary in 1967.

When Leeds City Council threatened to close Guiseley Theatre in the early 1980's, it was the operatic society that stepped in to take over the running of the building. Miss Eggleston was key to saving the building for the local community and was secretary of the theatre board for 21 years.

Margaret Dexter, chairman of Guiseley Amateurs said: "We are all terribly saddened by the news of Mary's death. Her commitment to one society for so many years coupled with the fact that she spent 41 years working at High Royds Hospital in Menston, demonstrates her capacity for commitment to something she believed in. That apart, she had a ready wit and a kind generous manner."

Her funeral took place at Rawdon Crematorium on Tuesday.