Village mourns after OAP freezes to death in snow

A post-mortem examination found that Mary Priestland, of King Street, Goldthorpe, died of hypothermia after falling in her garden on Sunday night.

Her body was found by a neighbour the following morning.

Father Carl Schaefer, parish priest of Goldthorpe and Hickleton, said: "The circumstances of her death are very sad, especially in a place like Goldthorpe which is very close-knit and known for being neighbourly.

"People look out for each other, but there was nothing that could be done in this case."

"It's a great shame. From all accounts Mrs Priestland was a lovely lady. She had spent most of her life in Goldthorpe and was a loved and respected member of the community.

He added: "I've been here a year and I did meet Mrs Priestland. I didn't know her well, but I know that she used to attend the church luncheon club in previous years."

Mrs Priestland was housebound and suffered from slight dementia.

A spokesman for South Yorkshire Police said:  "We don't believe there are any suspicious circumstances at this time."

Mrs Priestland's only daughter has travelled from her home Bristol to be with family in Sheffield.

The funeral will take place at Ardsley Crematorium, Barnsley, on Tuesday, January 19.