Family and friends have paid an emotional tribute to a Silsden teenager who died this month after battling cancer.

Stephanie McCartney lost her fight against bone cancer on April 1 in St James's Hospital, Leeds.

This week her parents Tim and Deborah described their 14-year-old daughter as a keen athlete who was strong willed, but who also possessed a wicked sense of humour.

Deborah, who turned 45 on the same day Stephanie passed away, has also vowed to tell her daughter's story.

She said: "Stephanie was very strong and determined, gave her best shot at everything she did and would do anything for anyone.

"She packed a lot into her 14 years and the response we've had shows how well loved she was. She will be in everyone's hearts for a long time to come.

"One of the things that really upset her was how TV dramas never gave the hard-hitting truth about how cancer affects everyone around you, and how difficult it is for patients to deal with the side effects of the treatment. She also wanted to raise awareness about detecting the signs earlier.

"She kept a diary and was going to write her own story in years to come, so I would like to tell Stephanie's story for her."

Stephanie attended Hothfield Junior School and South Craven School, and showed her talent as a fell runner from the age of eight.

The popular teenager later moved on to athletics and was a member of Keighley and Craven Athletics Club.

She then joined Bingley Harriers alongside her twin sister Berni and older sister Rebecca, concentrating mainly on hurdling.

She was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in November and underwent surgery on her left leg at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital in Birmingham, followed by chemotherapy at St James' Hospital.

Her funeral service at St James' church in Silsden included songs by Pink and a rendition of a touching letter from her grandfather Brian Tayler.

After her cremation at Skipton, a party in celebration of her life was held at Sunnybank Social Club where everything, including the food and guest's clothing, was Stephanie's favourite colour of pink.

Deborah adds: "The support we have received from everyone, particularly the Silsden community, has been incredible and we just can't thank people enough.

"We would also like to say a huge thank you to the doctors and nurses at St James' Hospital and at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital because they were amazing."

Bingley Harriers coach Lorraine Crosby said: "Stephanie tried really hard at everything and was a really nice kid who was always helpful.

"This is such a sad loss for the club."

Donations - which will be given to the Guy Francis Bone Cancer Research Fund and the Teenage Cancer Unit at St James' Hospital - are still being received.

Stephanie is survived by her younger brother Nathaniel, sisters Berni and Rebecca and half brothers Simon and Danny.