A Skipton woman, who set up a nursing home in Keighley, has died aged 76.

Betty Kennedy established Herncliffe Nursing Home, in Spring Gardens Lane.

She was diagnosed with terminal cancer in June tand died at home, surrounded by her family, on Saturday.

She had been living in Broughton Road, Skipton, when she died, but had previously lived in Keighley.

She was born in Burley-in-Wharfedale, and began training to be a nurse at Keighley Victoria Hospital when she was 17.

She married Paul Kennedy in June 1960, after which she was appointed sister in charge of the children’s ward at Keighley Victoria Hospital.

Her subsequent posts included a role as nursing officer, where she had the job of re-organising nursing in Keighley, Bingley, Skipton and Ilkley.

She set up Herncliffe in 1980 and retired from the NHS in 1985. She and her husband had four children.

Mrs Kennedy’s funeral service takes place at St Stephen’s Church, Skipton, tomorrow (Friday) at 10am, followed by interment at the town’s Waltonwrays.