Kathleen Pinning

It was in 1988, aged 36, that she passed her PSV driving test at the first attempt. She had initially wanted to drive lorries, but was discouraged by the long hauls. Then she and her husband Peter saw an advertisement for bus drivers in the town, and that was the job she sought.

She spent two years on the resort's buses before moving on to drive coaches in Scarborough and Filey.

After overcoming breast cancer, she faced continual health problems which eventually proved too much, and aged 59 she died in Peter's arms.

The couple had suffered a tragedy in 2002 when their daughter Yvonne and two grandchildren died in a car accident near Rudston.

Despite that loss and her health problems, Kathleen always retained her spirit, showing determination and single-mindedness.

She had to give up driving because of her ill health, but continued to work for as long as she could, taking up positions as a hotel receptionist at a Bridlington seafront hotel and at the town's Leisure World.

She is survived by Peter and their son Ian.