Well-known Glusburn resident Joyce Riddiough – who was involved in amateur theatre for most of her life – has died at the age of 85.

The former village newsagent was heavily involved with the Glusburn pantomime for many years, and until a couple of years ago did make-up for the Scout gang show.

Joyce, left, grew up in Colne Road and lived in the same house until February this year, when she moved to Royd Hill nursing home in Sutton.

After attending Glusburn School and Keighley Girls Grammar School, Joyce worked first at Cowling bakery Wheeler’s then for Glusburn textile firm Hayfield.

She took over her family’s nearby newsagents and stationery shop in the early 1970s following the sudden death of her father, Harry.

A former Sunday school teacher at the Methodist chapel in Cross Hills, Joyce was also a keen supporter of county and local cricket.

She began her theatrical activities with the Glusburn Cricket Club Players, then in the 1960s produced the Glusburn Baptist Chapel pantomime, a forerunner of the current Glusburn Institute panto.

Joyce, who never married, has one surviving brother, Keith, and six nephews and nieces.

Her niece, Christine Sutcliffe, said family was very important to Joyce.

She added: “My aunt was very outgoing, very sociable. She was lovely and incredibly well-liked locally.”

Joyce died on December 8 at Airedale Hospital.