Ilkley is mourning the loss of a woman who dedicated many years of her life to the Guides Association.

Sheila Marks, 71, died last week at Ilkley's Ardenlea Marie Curie Centre.

A service of thanksgiving was held at the Bridge Church, Otley, and one of her colleagues in the Guides Association said a lot of people had reason to thank Sheila.

Margaret Smith, County Commissioner for West Yorkshire North, said: "You name, it she did it."

Mrs Smith said Miss Marks had enjoyed a long and distinguished with the Association.

"She was a guide camp advisor as well as a guide camp trainer," said Mrs Smith.

Miss Marks, a former deputy head of a girls grammar school, had been in charge of her school's guide unit for 17 years.

Division Commissioner for Wharfedale for two years, Miss Marks also enjoyed the role of County Commissioner for West Yorkshire North for seven years.

Mrs Smith said Miss Marks had also played a vital role in bringing about the £300,000 guide activity centre at Burley Woodhead.

"She dedicated her life to helping other people. She was always there for people and helped them if she possibly could."

As well as her dedication to the guides Miss Marks also gave a considerable amount of time to charity work in Ilkley.

Geoffrey Vere, life vice president of the Ilkley Council for Voluntary Service (ICVS) said: "Sheila's sensitive, thoughtful and professional approach to her work was second to none. She will be sadly missed."

Addingham-based Baroness Betty Lockwood, the president of ICVS, said Sheila's death would leave a large hole in the work of the ICVS and she had been a tower of strength and energy.

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