TRIBUTES have been paid to a respected silver band president.

Marian Bythell, of Ghyllbeck, Gunnerside, died on April 30, aged 86.

Mrs Bythell had been president of Muker Silver Band for a number of years after taking on the role from her late husband, Kenneth.

The couple, who were originally from Lancashire, became regular visitors to Swaledale when their son, Duncan, moved to the area in 1984.

After her husband's death, Mrs Bythell moved to Gunnerside in 1997.

Her son described his mother as a self-effacing woman with a very strong will.

"To most people she was a gentle old lady - and she was," he said. "But she was also a very strong woman,

"My parents got to know a lot of people in the village and the surrounding villages. They became very loyal supporters of the band after I became conductor.

"My mother was the first non-playing president the band has ever had."

Bandmaster Norman Guy said: "Marian was a very gently and kind person. She took a great deal of interest in all the band's activities, especially in how the younger members were getting on."

Mrs Bythell leaves two other children, Ian and Joan, two grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

A funeral service will be held at Gunnerside Methodist Chapel today, at 11.30am. It will be followed by a private cremation.