The woman who has run a family coal merchants in Riddlesden on her own for the past 11 years has died.

Mrs Joan Oldfield, 65, was the wife of the late Keith Oldfield, who died in October 1991.

She pledged to continue the 160-year-old business and has run it single-handedly ever since.

The canal side coal merchants was started by Keith Oldfield's great great grandfather, Mr William Oldfield, and still operates under the name W. Oldfield and Co.

Joan Oldfield was born in Keighley and lived in the Park Lane area of the town. She had two sisters, Pauline and the late Margaret.

She went to Parkwood and Eastwood schools before working in a hosiery factory.

In 1951 the family moved to Australia but returned after two years because the girls missed Keighley and the Speedway Club.

Mrs Oldfield's mother Ivy Seed says: "Speedway was a club for people who went to watch the motorbikes - they used to go to Odsal.

"It was through the club that she met Keith. They went on to be married for 36 years. They went out together for seven, saving up.

"They settled in Riddlesden and ran the business together, they were very happy and both worked hard.

"She has certainly missed him these past 11 years. She was very determined though, and I'm very proud of her.

"Keith taught her a lot and it's been hard work, but she has run a very solid business on her own."

Mrs Oldfield enjoyed travelling abroad and had visited many places including Austria, Switzerland and the south of France.

She took a keen interest in local affairs and local politics.

Her mother Mrs Seed continued: "I will miss her a lot but there are a lot of good memories. She was a friend to anybody who needed her in Riddlesden. She was content at the coal yard and at home. There will be so many people who will miss her."

A funeral service was held yesterday at St Mary's Parish Church in Riddlesden.

Mrs Seed says that although details have yet to be finalised W. Oldfield and Co will continue to trade.