Woman, 90, found dead in her frozen garden

Mary Priestland was discovered in King Street, Goldthorpe. It is believed she may have fallen in the snow and was found by a neighbour.

South Yorkshire Police said they were currently investigating the circumstances surrounding her death.

A police spokeswoman said: "Police received a report of a woman's body being found outside a house in King Street, Goldthorpe, on Monday January 4 at 8am.

"We do not believe there are any suspicious circumstances at this time."

It is not known how long Ms Priestland had been in the garden and police were unable to confirm reports that she died as a result of hypothermia.

Relatives gathered at Ms Priestland's home today but were too distressed to talk about her death.

An employee at the Unity Dearne Club in King Street, who did not wish to be named, said residents were saddened at the news of Ms Priestland's death.

"We're a small community and we're absolutely shocked.

"We look after our own and everybody knows everybody."

Local priest Father Carl Schaefer said Ms Priestland's death had deeply affected the close-knit community.

He told the BBC: "People in a community like this feel a sense of responsibility. People do look out for their neighbours and the elderly, especially at times like this."