Heather Smith died on Monday at a friend's home in Llandovery, South Wales. She had been waiting a heart valve replacement and had not long left hospital after a five-week stay for related health problems.

The daughter of Mavis and Gerry Smith, and sister to Peter, David and Andrew, she was born and bred in Barnoldswick and attended the then West Craven High School before leaving to take a job at Silentnight Beds.

Heather was involved in the major strike of 1985 there and over the years became good friends with a number of Welsh miners who travelled north to support the local cause. It was through those friendships she decided to move to Wales and went on to get a job as a chef for the people working laying the new gas pipelines.

In her spare time, Heather was passionate about her horses and dogs.

Heather's funeral will take place on Wednesday afternoon. Mourners are asked to contact Briggs and Duxbury Ltd for details. Her family have agreed any donations made in lieu of funeral flowers should go to the animal charity, HAPPA (Horse and Pony Protection Association).