A SCHOOL is planning to place a bench in its grounds in memory of a tireless employee.

June Theakston, 57, who was involved in life at Longfield School, Darlington, for more than 20 years, died last month.

As well as being a dinner lady and cleaner, she was also heavily involved in the parents' association, school council, went on school trips and was always involved in parents' evenings.

Her involvement started when her own children attended the school, in Longfield Road.

Dave Hunton, a member of the school's senior management team and a personal friend of Mrs Theakston, said: "She was one of those people who would be classed as a friend of Longfield School.

"Her life very much revolved around helping pupils and staff."

The school has already held a musical evening in her memory, and staff and pupils attended her funeral after she died following heart problems.

Mr Hunton said: "She was more than a dinner lady, she was more than a cleaner, she was an intricate part of the fabric of the school."

The school is raising funds to pay for the bench and anybody who would like to contribute is welcome to do so through the school following the summer holidays.