A stalwart charity organiser who helped children with learning difficulties and other disabilities find an artistic outlet has died.

Fran O'Brien, who was co-ordinator of Yadapa (Young and Disabled and Positively Artistic), died on Thursday, April 16, at the Princess Alice Hospice after suffering from cancer. She was 62.

Aine Lark, of Kingston Arts, said: "Fran was a member of Kingston Arts for many years and was always a very committed contributor.

"We will never be able to replace her. It's left quite a void in our organisation. The work she did with young people in Yadapa was phenomenal. She had so much empathy and understood their needs.

"She had very special qualities. She was a very soulful person, peaceful and funny. She was always creating and giving her work for the benefit of other people. That's her in essence.

"She went out of her to help as many people as she could, which was nothing short of amazing when you think of what she was coping with physically. Fran was a phenomenal woman with the most wonderful smile."

Mrs O'Brien won a mayor's community award in 2010 for her work with young people.

Laura Smyth, manager of the Yorda Adventures charity which helps youngsters with learning difficulties and their families, said Mrs O'Brien was "truly inspiring".

She added: "Fran will be sorely missed for so many reasons but her legacy of creating such an exciting project for young people with disabilities will not be forgotten.

"Her work empowered individuals through art. Her passion to ensure that all were given opportunities to express themselves was always completed with tenacity but also with a sincere enjoyment of life that was infectious to all around her.

"Her work enabled the young people and those around them to see the label of 'artist' before disability."