TRIBUTE has been paid to a textile and costume designer from Keighley who worked on Oscar-winning movies and major TV productions.

Ruth Caswell – who was born, and lived for most of her life, in this area – has died aged 74 following a long battle against cancer.

After training as a costumier she went on to work at Glyndebourne Opera and became costume supervisor for Theatre 69 Company – which later formed the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester.

During her career she worked on films including Shakespeare in Love, Elizabeth and Dad’s Army, and was the textile advisor on BBC’s Pride and Prejudice.

In the 1960s Ruth had moved to London, when she met and married her actor husband Eddie Caswell.

She once said: "When we married and moved to London we had only £12.50 to our name so I made clothes in my back bedroom and sold them in Kensington Market on a stall next to Freddie Mercury’s. I delivered them on the 73 bus each Friday and they sold instantly."

Ruth's clothes were photographed for Vogue and she sold her garments to leading stores.

On her return to the Keighley area she also produced innovative designs for the bridal market.

Between 1986 and 1997 she taught at Bradford College, and inspired many students.

Amongst them was Vicki Wilde. She said: "Ruth made you believe that anything was possible. She had a work ethic like no other and I would marvel at the energy she would have for any project."

Whilst teaching in the School of Art, Ruth secured the future of the Bradford Textile Archive.

She received an honorary fellowship in 2016.

Ruth and her husband had moved to Wales in recent years to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

She became involved with the Ty Pawb Arts Centre in Wrexham. Latterly Ruth was working on an exhibition and whilst in hospital, just days before she died, was on the phone to curator Jo Marsh sharing ideas.

Friend Pam Brook says: "Ruth’s special capability with designing and making was also reflected in her abilities to relate to people. She had a very high profile nationally but has always worked with – and given to – her local community.

"She will be deeply missed by her husband, children and grandchildren, and by all those she came into contact with who couldn’t help ‘falling in love’ with her."