Everyone who met her will never forget her beaming smile, infectious enthusiasm and trademark black and white clothes. Few people managed to say no to 'Aunty Beryl' – a style she adopted in her e-mail address.

After her husband, John, retired from banking, they made their home in Birstwith and she was soon appointed Honorary Press Officer to Nidderdale Agricultural Society – organisers of 'Pateley Show'.

The Press had been a relatively low priority for the show organisers, but Mrs Bell took an active approach, deciding that in spite of its long traditions and loyal following, it needed publicity and must move with the times.

One of her first tasks was to find a guest of honour to visit the show in its centenary year in 1995.

In typical fashion, she aimed high – setting her sights on the Prince of Wales.

The Prince's diary is booked years in advance and she had only months to make the arrangements. But, after discovering that his personal secretary was born at Lofthouse in Upper Nidderdale, the Royal guest was secured.

One of her happiest memories was of standing with the Prince as they chatted with sheep dog trial veteran Jack Suttill, then 94. The Prince asked Jack if he had any children and was told: "No, but I am still hopeful."

Long before each Nidderdale Show – the last in the northern season, held in September each year – the Press were bombarded with information. It was instantly recognisable by her beautiful calligraphy.

On show day – sometimes wet because of its late slot in the calendar – she would wear red Wellington boots. Everyone she met was guaranteed a warm reception. You were treated as if she had known you for ever.

Beryl was born at Delves Ridge Farm on the edge of the moors at Blubberhouses in 1942, the youngest of five children of Alan and Sara Liddle.

She was a boarder at Bentham Grammar School and distinguished herself in sport and art, becoming head girl. She went on to study at Carnegie College in Leeds and became a teacher of physical education and art.

Her husband's career in banking meant they moved around a lot. Wherever they happened to be, she frequently returned to Nidderdale, helping her brother lambing at East Woods Farm or to share Sunday lunch with her mother at Tang.

Retirement brought the couple back to live in Birstwith. She was able to renew links with her relatives and worshipped at the United Reformed Church in Dacre.

Her farming connections, including a grandfather Tom Iveson, who was involved in buying the Bewerley Park showground in 1926, meant she was appointed Nidderdale Show's Press officer.

Her bubbly personality, organisational skills and abilities in lettering and design made her ideally suited for the job.

Among her lasting contributions to the Show is the trophy she gave to be presented to the best young handler in the sheep dog trials in memory of her father AG Liddle, who was English National Champion three times in the 1930s.

Beryl Bell's death after a brave battle with cancer, has robbed the community of a talented personality. It will not be the same in the Press pavilion at this year's show on September 22.