FROM practising her high-jump over a clothes line to founding Riding Mill’s ladies’ tennis team, Bessie Routledge’s life was coloured by her love of sport.

Born on March 22, 1933, Bessie grew up in Newbiggin-by-the-Sea in Northumberland.

As a schoolgirl she became a noted local athlete, particularly successful in the 150-yard dash and the high-jump, which she would practice over a clothes line in her backyard.

Bessie went on to study at a teacher training college in Darlington and took her first job as a primary school teacher in Ashington in 1953 where she met fellow teacher Dick Routledge.

The pair were married in 1957 and their son, Michael, was born in 1960.

Two years later, Dick took a job as headmaster at Riding Mill school and the family relocated to the village.

Bessie became a primary school teacher at the Sneep School in Hexham, which became Croft House School in 1975. She remained at Croft House until her retirement in 1993.

A keen sportswoman Bessie became a founder member of Riding Mill Tennis Club’s ladies’ team. Last June, she was invited to officially open the club’s refurbished courts and clubhouse.

In the 1980s, she moved from tennis to golf and became Stocksfield Golf Club’s ladies captain in 1997-98.

Bessie was also a staunch supporter of Riding Mill Methodist Church.

In 2014, her husband passed away at the age of 81. And on May 28, Bessie died at Hexham Hospital following a short illness.

She leaves son Michael, daughter-in-law Angela and grandsons Toby and Angus. Her funeral will take place at Mountsett Crematorium at 11am on June 29, before a service at noon at St James’ Methodist Church in Riding Mill.