Margaret, of Leeds Road, Heckmondwike, had spent the last 10 years as a home visitor for the Kirklees Portage Service, helping children with learning difficulties across Spen, Batley and Dewsbury.

Portage team leader Tony Dunning said she was a dear friend and colleague who would be sorely missed by her loving family, friends and those who worked with or knew her.

Speaking on behalf of the team he said: "Margaret had a real zest for life and she lived it to the full. It was quite apparent that she loved her weekends away and holidays in the sun. In a sense she 'played hard' but she also worked hard.

"Margaret's breadth and depth of experience and knowledge was phenomenal.

"Commitment, care and compassion were Margaret's hallmarks. Yes she will be missed and knowing that she will no longer be around is a cause for sadness, but at the same time her memory lives on. She is a source of strength to all in our team and is an inspiration for us to emulate."

Margaret, who was born in 1949, leaves a husband, son and daughter.

Portage is a home-based teaching service for pre-school children with a developmental delay or disability.