A WOMAN who made an invaluable contribution to the attractive town that Skipton is today has died at the age of 92.

Mary Wales was an architect for many years and helped to shape Skipton's modern townscape.

She was born in Shipley, the youngest of three girls.

Her father, Edward Sharpe, came from Northern Ireland and was the doctor in Saltaire, and her mother, Ethel, née Jackson, was an art teacher. Mary was educated in Southport and then studied architecture in Leeds, one of the few women who trained in this profession at that time.

It was at the school of architecture that she met her future husband, Howard, son of Dr Herbert Wales of Gargrave, and the couple married in 1939.

They had previously set up practice in Skipton not long after qualifying and in 1942 their son, Jim, was born.

Throughout the war she continued to run the practice on her own as Howard was stationed in India. They divorced in 1949.

With the help of Mrs Betty Patchet, and now based in Stirton, Mary developed the practice and ran it very successfully. Work for the Bradford diocese involved her in the care of many parish churches and she served a term as president of the Ecclesiastic Architects and Surveyors.

She became an expert in the restoration of historic buildings, including Skipton Castle where she helped to restore the Tudor wing.

She was also known for her house designs and extended many schools and modified commercial properties.

Her son joined the firm and in 1973 they formed the practice Wales, Wales and Rawson which still operates from the Gatehouse in Skipton Castle.

In 1961 Mary founded Skipton Civic Society and was chairman from 1976 to 1981 and was president until her death.

Mrs Wales took a leading role in its projects, saving the Back o' the Beck and Watson's Houses from demolition and redevelopment.

She was a prime mover in the Mill Bridge amenity area and a major organiser in the celebrations for the Queen's Silver jubilee.

Chairman John Moody said Mrs Wales had only been reappointed president at the beginning of the month.

"We are very sad to hear of her death," he added. "Although in latter years due to her failing health, she was not able to take such an active role, members valued her presence as president."

Mrs Wales was also a founder member of Skipton Soroptimists in 1949 and was president in 1955 to 1956.

She instigated the garden at Newmarket Street and designed the Otley Street meeting room, which provides a much used venue for numerous organisations.

About 10 years ago, she was made an honorary member of the club in recognition of her great work and her support and advice will be greatly missed by members.

Mrs Wales gradually retired from architecture and in later years enjoyed living in the house she had created for her mother and sister.

Her beloved son, Jim, died in 2003 but she is survived by his three children.

A funeral service will be held at Holy Trinity Church, Skipton, on Tuesday at 2pm, prior to cremation.