One of the first volunteers to join a pioneering health project in Keighley has died at the age of 70.

Barbara Rothera was a well-known face at SHAPE (Senior Health Awareness Project) where she was a stalwart volunteer for more than a decade.

Mrs Rothera, who had recently moved from Braithwaite to Sutton, died peacefully in her sleep at home on July 2.

She joined SHAPE as a volunteer in the late eighties and served on the committee for a number of years as well as representing SHAPE on the Keighley Voluntary Services committee.

The work done by Barbara, which colleagues said she did quietly and efficiently, was to meet new clients, introduce herself and stay with them until the nurse on duty was ready to talk to them.

She was also a very keen helper at the carers' group and latterly a regular and enthusiastic member of the craft group.

Founder member of SHAPE Molly Jones says: "Her kind, unassuming role helped SHAPE's reputation in a very positive way.

"She will be greatly missed by the many past and present members of SHAPE."

Born and raised in Plymouth, she was evacuated from there during the war and came to live in Keighley where she lived with husband Eric.

She worked as an auxiliary nurse at Victoria Hospital in Keighley and then at Airedale Hospital.

After Eric died she met her partner Derek Speight at Keighley Solo club and they travelled all over the world and visited her son Ian in Hong Kong.

A funeral service was held at Oakworth Crematorium last Friday and donations were made to Manorlands.

She is survived by children Avril, Eric, David, Diane and Ian and partner Derek.