TRIBUTES have been paid to the oldest member of a Swaledale farming family who died shortly before Christmas.

Reeth Methodist church was packed for the funeral of Joan Stubbs.

The service, conducted by the Reverend Andrew Bell, was followed by interment at Arkengarthdale Methodist churchyard, where Mrs Stubbs' husband, John, was buried in 1987.

Mrs Stubbs, who was aged 81, was born near Pateley Bridge to parents who farmed at East Barden Dykes, between Catterick Garrison and Leyburn. She attended school at Bellerby.

She met her future husband during the Second World War. They married in 1947 and took over the tenancy of Rawcroft farm, in Arkengarthdale.

They farmed sheep and a small dairy herd and had two children, Robin, who now runs the farm with his wife, Anne, and Julie Thorp, who lives with her husband, Terry, in Richmond.

Mr and Mrs Stubbs retired in 1987, when Mr Stubbs was 70, and moved to Reeth. Mr Stubbs died later that year.

Mrs Stubbs' interests included gardening, providing refreshments for the local Alzheimer's Society and working with Arkengarthdale sports association, which two years ago presented her with an award for 50 years' service.

She also leaves three grandchildren and two great grandsons.