'Linda's care for others marked her out at an early age'

That pride turned to quiet grief yesterday as prayers were said for the devoted aid worker at her parish church after she was killed by her captors during a failed rescue attempt by US forces in Afghanistan.

Miss Norgrove, 36, from Mangersta in Uig on the Isle of Lewis, was from a well-known family in the area, and local people were heartbroken by news of her death.

Her father John, 60, said only that the family were "devastated", while her mother Lorna, 62, was too upset to speak.

A family friend said they both wanted "answers" to their many questions about what happened to their daughter before they would say anything further.

The Norgrove family were remembered in prayers at Uig Church of Scotland Church services yesterday.

Minister Hugh Stewart said: "We have been praying for the family and Linda's safe release since she was taken.

"Sadly this has ended tragically and the whole community is feeling this very badly and deeply. It is a very close-knit community. We will continue to remember the family in our prayers.

"There are so many people involved in this - the soldiers who tried to free Linda, the negotiators. They must be feeling this badly too.

"But the Lord himself is the only person who can truly comfort and help at such a time as this."

The area's former GP Dr John Hay said the community was devastated.

His late wife Fay was Miss Norgrove's head teacher when she was a pupil at Uig Primary School.

"We watch the horrors of Afghanistan on television without thinking it will touch a place like this," said Dr Hay. "But this tragic incident brings home that the war even impinges here and shows that the effects of the conflict in Afghanistan can reach anywhere.

"The whole community will feel this loss very badly and will be devastated by it.

"The Norgroves are a well-respected and much liked and admired family. Our hearts and prayers go out to them."

Miss Norgrove's former teacher at Uig School also paid tribute to the "bright" girl.

"She was a truly lovely girl. Something that marked her out even at her then early age was her caring towards others," said Margaret Macleod, who also taught the aid worker's younger sister Sofie.

"She was always concerned about the welfare of her friends and classmates."She was a bright, caring and calm girl and I hoped those qualities would help her in the situation she faced.

"The whole community is devastated and deeply upset - heartbroken - by her death.

"Her parents are really wonderful and caring people. I think Linda's mother, Lorna, was inspired by her daughter's work in the Third World to get involved in things like Water Aid. It is an absolute tragedy."

Western Isles MSP Alasdair Allan said islanders were trying to come to terms with her death and were "deeply saddened".

"Linda Norgrove was a credit to Na h-Eileanan an Iar (Western Isles], and the humanitarian cause which she served so well," he said.

"Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this sad and distressing time."

Miss Norgrove's younger sister, who lives in south-west Scotland, and her two young sons joined her parents at their home on the Isle of Lewis yesterday.

Miss Norgrove's tearful mother Lorna declined to comment as she welcomed her other daughter home.

MP for the Western Isles Angus MacNeil said: "I am heart sorry to hear this terrible news and I'm sure the entire local community feels the same.

"Ms Norgrove was in Afghanistan trying to help and her death is an absolute tragedy."

Western Isles Council expressed "deep sorrow" at the news Miss Norgrove's death.

Convener Alex MacDonald said: "Our thoughts are with the family at what is a very difficult time." Leader Angus Campbell added: "This is very sad news. I know the whole community will be thinking of the family."

Miss Norgrove's parents - her mother Lorna was a charity worker and father John a civil engineer - managed a croft and kept cattle in Uig.

The family had moved to the island from Altnaharra in Sutherland when Miss Norgrove was a young child.

Her former headteacher at the Nicolson Institute on Stornoway, Ewan Mackinnon, said: "This is not the news that the community wished to hear.

"We were all hoping for a better outcome. But it is perhaps not to be wondered at that this is how it ended, because not many of those who are taken hostage in Afghanistan manage to get their freedom.

"The community will rally round to offer whatever support and help the family wish, and they are very much in our thoughts and prayers at this time."