OTLEY is mourning the death of a local mum killed in the Manchester Arena terror attack.

Wendy Fawell was last seen at the end of the Ariana Grande show, which she had attended with her teenage daughter and friends, last Monday night.

More than 100 people gathered in Otley the next day to hold a vigil for the 50 year old's safe return, and a huge campaign was launched on social media to find her.

But last Wednesday evening friends revealed that Ms Fawell had died and her son, Adam, confirmed the news the following morning.

Posting on Facebook, he said:"I am really sad to say that my mum unfortunately has passed away as a result of the terror attack in Manchester.

"I want to say a massive thank you to all friends and family who have shared posts to try to find her and all the messages that have been sent.

"It really means a lot to us for all you have done I can't thank you enough.

"RIP Mum you will be sadly missed xxxxxxxxx."

The night before friend Debbie McDowell had posted: “I am heartbroken beyond belief.

"I have lost my best friend and confident Wendy Fawell. A beautiful lady who I will have treasured memories of.

"Nite god bless sweetheart. Love ? you to the moon and back xxxx."

St Oswald's C of E Primary School at Guiseley, meanwhile, where Ms Fawell had previously worked, said on Twitter: "It is with deepest sadness that I confirm that our former colleague Wendy Fawell was killed in the Manchester bombing. RIP, Wendy #StOPSG."

In Otley a book of condolence has been opened at the Town Council's Otley Core office, on Orchard Gate.

Residents have also been leaving flowers, cards, candles and messages in memory of Ms Fawell, which include ones to and from her family, at the base of the Jubilee Clock.

One, To Aunty Wendy, read: "Words could never explain what you have meant to me. With you you have taken a piece of my heart.

"The memories we made will never fade. I will love you forever."

Another said: "My Darling sister and best friend. Taken too soon.

"Eternally bonded by heart. I will miss you with every breath.

"I will keep my promise to you. Love you forever."

At 11am last Thursday the town fell silent to join a national minute's silence for all the victims of the Manchester attack and a ceremony was held at the Maypole, where the Union Flag flew at half mast.

Town Council Chairman Councillor Ray Georgeson said: “I know the whole of Otley will join me in expressing our deepest condolences to Wendy Fawell’s family and friends.

"Words can’t really express the sorrow and sadness we feel at this news and the anger we have about the atrocity and the manner in which she and others have lost their lives.

"As a community, we offer our love and solidarity to Wendy’s family and stand ready to offer any support we can."

Parliamentary candidate for Leeds North West Greg Mulholland said: "It is tragic to hear confirmation that that Wendy Fawell was killed in the Manchester attack, having been missing since then.

"My deepest condolences to her family and friends. The whole town of Otley and neighbouring communities are devastated at this news and are in mourning for Wendy.

"When local people came together in a vigil in Otley they joined together in reflection and prayer in the hope Wendy would be found safe.

"Sadly that did not happen and the news that people feared has now come through.

"The strong community in Otley and in the surrounding area will come together and support the family at this most awful time, people are offering their support and a crowdfunding site has been set up to help.

“People here are showing the very best in community spirit and we stand together with Wendy’s family and friends, and all those victims of this despicable attack

"Wendy and her family will remain in our thoughts and prayers."

A crowdfunding page to support Ms Fawell's family has been started by Otley resident Tom Featherstone at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/wendyfawell .

Writing on the donation page, Mr Featherstone says: "I didn't really know how to respond to such a horrific event, but I suppose responding with humanity and kindness is a good place to start.

"I have seen several pages related to those affected by the attack, but I'd really like this all to go directly to Wendy's family - they can choose to put it towards funeral cost, something in memory of Wendy or even a family holiday to get them away from all of this

Let's all come together for Wendy's family and try and show them some light in this horrific situation."

The page has raised more than £4,000 so far.

*The news of Ms Fawell's death is still to be officially confirmed by the police.