HUNDREDS of present and past pupils of a Bolton school are mourning the death of a much loved teacher.

Veronica Jackson, who spent the last 15 years teaching nursery children at St Mary's CE Primary School, Deane died on Sunday in Christie Hospital.

The 54-year-old grandmother from Breightmet, had been ill with cancer for several weeks.

St Mary's head teacher, Mrs Chris Kilsby said staff, governors, parents and pupils were "shocked and saddened" by her death.

She added: "Veronica made an immediate impact on all who knew her. Her nursery children loved her and parents recognised her as someone who was firm and fair and who was always ready to lend a listening ear and offer advice and support whenever she was needed."

As well as teaching nursery children, Mrs Jackson helped to train the school choir, promoted links between the school and the community and was the key figure in the after school club run jointly by the school and Deane Church.

A committed Christian, she also taught Sunday School and had many hobbies and interests.

"We shall miss her for the vital role she played in our school but, far more than that, we shall miss her for the wonderful friend she became to us all," said Mrs Kilsby. Mrs Jackson leaves a husband, Philip, two sons and two grandsons.

Her funeral will be on Friday at Trinity Methodist Church, Tong Fold at 12.15pm followed by committal at Overdale Crematorium. Her family have requested that donations instead of flowers should be made to Trinity Methodist Church by cheque.

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