Tributes have been paid to a former County Durham college principal after she died just weeks from retirement.

Suzanne Duncan, who was principal at East Durham College for 12 years, died earlier this month after retiring from the job on August 1 this year. 

The news of her tragic death was shared by East Durham College, who described their former principal as a "respected and selfless leader,"  while also saying that: "The College cannot emphasise how much we owe to her as a great champion for this College."

In a tribute to the former education leader, the college said: "It is with great sadness that East Durham College announces that our former Principal, Suzanne Duncan has passed away.

"The College owes a lot to Suzanne and her leadership, during her time at the College she significantly grew the curriculum offer, worked with local schools, employers, and partners to ensure that the College was meeting community needs, and oversaw significant investment across all College campuses."

The tribute added: "Suzanne was a respected and selfless leader who fundamentally cared about learners and the transformational difference FE can make to their lives.

"She always challenged herself and her team to ensure that learners were always at the heart of all decision-making.

"The College cannot emphasise how much we owe to her as a great champion for this College, the FE sector, and the North East.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Suzanne’s husband Steven and their children Benjamin and Lucas."

Other tributes to Suzanne saw former colleagues and other college leaders in County Durham pay tribute - calling her a "great mentor".

Alison Maynard, Deputy Principal at New College Durham, said: "I can’t process what has happened to this beautiful lady. Suzanne and I worked together whilst at Sunderland College and she was a great mentor to me.

"Our friendship continued when we both moved on and she was always my go-to.

"We had many laughs along the way. The FE sector has lost a true legend with her passion and enthusiasm and she always put her students first.

"My condolences to family and friends at East Durham College."

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Scott Bullock, Principal and CEO of East Durham College, who took over the role from Suzanne, said: "I am fortunate to have spent my career in FE as a peer and colleague of Suzanne’s.

"In my experience, she has always demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and authenticity in her work.

"On a personal level, Suzanne was always my ‘go-to’ peer; someone I could trust wholeheartedly and of whom I was often the beneficiary of fantastic advice.

"I am honoured to have recently taken on the role of Principal of EDC, following Suzanne’s retirement, and to lead the College forward from the very good position in which Suzanne’s dedication and commitment has driven it."