COLLEAGUES have paid tribute to Malvern health visitor Lesley Knight, who died last Thursday at her home in Cherry Tree Drive.

Ms Knight, 52, worked from Malvern Health Centre and had two separate spells living in the town.

Team leader for district nursing Yvonne Fortey said: "Lesley was known, trusted and respected by everyone privileged to meet her, whether in her role as nurse, health visitor for older people, or as a friend. As a health visitor, her total commitment was to promoting the key importance of a healthy lifestyle in addition to providing clinical services.

"Her vision, enthusiasm, humility and compassion were complemented by her inimitable sense of humour. She leaves a void - as a nurse, colleague and friend."

Ms Knight's elder sister Margaret Stanton said: "As a sister, mother and daughter, Lesley was better than anybody else that we could have hoped for in her compassion and dedication in bringing up Mark to make sure that he was ok and involving us all. We'll miss her dreadfully."

Born in Farnborough, Hampshire, Ms Knight moved to Malvern at the age of 12, when her father became director of engineering at the Royal Radar Establishment. After graduating from Worcester Girls' Grammar School, she embarked on a career as a nurse, training and working at Edinburgh's Royal Infirmary, before moving to Portsmouth to train as a midwife.

Ms Knight then emigrated to Canada, first to Toronto and then to man a nursing station in Pond Inlet, in the North West Territories. She lived with Inuits and took time out to have her son, Mark, 20.

Six years ago, she returned to Malvern and, after training as a health visitor, took up her post with Malvern Health Centre.

An inquest was opened on Tuesday at Kidderminster Town Hall.

Worcestershire coroner Victor Round said Ms Knight, had been unwell for some time before her death. The inquest was adjourned until the results of further tests are available.

Her funeral will take place at Lansdowne Methodist Church at 2pm on Monday (December 3), followed by cremation at Worcester Crematorium at 3.30pm. Family flowers only. Donations to Lupus UK (Research), c/o Hollands Funeral Services, 71 Barnards Green Road, Malvern.