A YOUNG Skipton girl, who touched the hearts of people across the area, has lost her six-year battle against cancer.

Lucy Moore may have only been 11, but she was an inspiration to all who knew her.

Sadly, her valiant efforts to beat a recurring brain tumour failed and she died peacefully in the arms of her parents, Mick and Bridget, in the early hours of Tuesday morning. She was their only child.

"We will both miss her terribly," said her father.

Her death came just days before she was due to start her secondary education at Upper Wharfedale School, Threshfield.

Lucy first hit the headlines in 1997 when she helped to raise money for the children's cancer charity, Candlelighters. She had just returned to Water Street School, Skipton, after her first stay in hospital.

Even then her indomitable spirit shone through.

Despite losing her hair as a result of the treatment, she happily donned a hat and posed for pictures with her classmates to promote a fundraising hats day.

"She was an inspiration," said her mum, who also described her as kind, thoughtful and brave. "Even in the bad times, she never complained and kept her sense of humour.

"She gave a lot of people strength - including us. She took whatever was thrown at her, and dealt with it."

Her father also paid tribute, saying Lucy had great determination and had continued to attend school whenever possible even when receiving treatment.

On one occasion, her parents recalled, she had asked to go to school as she travelled home from hospital, where she had been treated in the intensive care unit. "She just loved school," added her dad.

Water Street headteacher Jean McCrickard said the whole school was very saddened by Lucy's death.

She added: "Lucy took part in all our activities as best she could. She did this through her sense of character and great determination, without complaining. She made strong friendships at Water Street, and she will be greatly missed."

Lucy also became the face of Candlelighters in Skipton, receiving cheques on the charity's behalf, and helping her family raise more than £15,000 for the cause. "She took a keen interest in it," said Mick.

Born in Harrogate, Lucy moved to Skipton when she was three months old. She went to Otley Street Nursery before going to Water Street School in 1995. Just a year later, she was diagnosed with a brain tumour.

She underwent major surgery, followed radiotherapy, but unfortunately the tumour came back at Christmas 2000. Again major surgery was followed by a further course of treatment, and all seemed well.

Indeed earlier this year she fulfilled an ambition to swim with dolphins while on holiday in Tenerife, and only last month, enjoyed an activity holiday in the Lake District with the Malcolm Sargent Trust.

Just days after she returned, her parents were told that the tumour was back.

"Everyone has been so supportive - we can't thank the medical staff enough, particularly our GPs Dr James Thomas and Dr Helen Wilkinson," said Mick.

A keen swimmer, Lucy was also a member of the 10th Skipton Dales Brownies, and was last year presented with a bravery award.

District commissioner and former brown owl Janet Denton said: "Lucy was honoured because of her commitment to guiding during her illness. But above all, she was a gentle, happy girl, who will be sadly missed by us all."

It was the second award Lucy had received. A year earlier, she was named as Craven's Child of Courage by the Skipton-Craven Rotary Club. At that time Lucy was described as "a first among equals".

Her parents say her friends - young and old - will be welcome at the funeral service, to be held at Christ Church, Skipton, on Monday at 12.15pm.

There will be a collection plate for Candlelighters and donations can also be made through funeral directors Howcrofts at Duckett Street, Skipton.