TRIBUTES have been paid to a well-known former headteacher, Guide leader and farmer who has died aged 93.

Jean Brown farmed at Long Lee with her sister Margaret for many years.

She wrote several books about the hardships and humour of her farming life, and appeared on the ITV programme Dales Diary.

Jean also had a career in teaching, and was headteacher at Kildwick Church of England Primary School.

And as 'skipper' of the 4th Keighley Guide company, she led annual summer camps to the Hebrides.

The fortnight-long camps were held between 1957 and 1981, with hundreds of girls making the trip and many returning several times.

Since then, a number of reunions have taken place, including on Tiree and the Isle of Harris.

One reunion, on Tiree in 2010, also celebrated the centenary of the Guide movement.

The visiting group, which included Jean and Margaret, stayed at Alan Stevenson House, in the village of Hynish.

Ages of those present ranged from 47 to 80.

Following the reunion, Jean said they had revisited their campsite on the Salum shore and "marvelled at its proximity to the Atlantic", but added that part of the original camping ground had disappeared into the sea due to erosion!

However she said the trip had been a huge success: "The sun shone each and every day and everyone returned bronzed and smiling.

"Sadly our hosts of bygone years were no longer with us, but we put flowers on their grave in the Kirkapol cemetery."

A number of tributes have been paid to Jean on the Isle of Harris Facebook page.

Marta Elizabeth Kovacs, who took part in the Guide camps, posted: "Skipper was our heroine, who brought us to Harris and taught us to be independent, capable and happy on your wonderful island. Please raise a glass in remembrance of a very special lady. RIP Skipper."

Mairi MacLean said: "Sad news indeed, she was a lovely lady. I have fond memories of her and her sister when they brought the guides to Tiree. I used to join them for the singing round the camp fire. Jean continued to visit Tiree until a few years ago."

And Betty Light said: "So sorry to hear this, she was an exceptional lady. Fondly remembered."

The funeral service takes place at St Barnabas Church, Thwaites Brow, on Thursday (August 10), at 11.30am, to be followed by interment at Morton Cemetery.