THE life of Kay Thompson, a founder matron of Bilton Nursery School, in Harrogate, who died recently, has been praised by the Vicar of St Peter's Church, Harrogate, Canon Tony Shepherd.

He said: "Kay was always a delight to be with, because her whole focus was on the visitor or topic of the moment.

"She always saw the best in people, perhaps because, in line with her training, she focused on the child in each of us."

A former superintendent for a group of nurseries in Nottingham, she retired early after a long and serious illness, returning to Harrogate for the remainder of her life.