TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular teacher who died in a tragic accident on Monday night.

Barbara Ramshaw's car hit a lamp post on the A689 in High West Road, Crook, as she drove from her home in Fir Tree to call for her sister Joyce Charlton.

Mrs Ramshaw, 58, had worked as a part-time food technology teacher at Parkside Comprehensive, in Willington, since 1997 after leaving her full-time post as head of home economics at St John's RC School, in Bishop Auckland.

Former St John's head Brian Jones said that hundreds of pupils would have fond memories of Mrs Ramshaw from her 30 years at the school.

He said: "She was an extremely valued and warm member of staff with an excellent sense of humour.

"She was always concerned about the integrity of her students and those who knew her will remember her for her integrity and sense of vocation."

Parkside headteacher Roland Sterry said: "She always helped and encouraged pupils. She was a very caring person who was well liked and respected by her colleagues."

Mrs Ramshaw was a former pupil of Wolsingham Comprehensive School.

Police are investigating the accident, which happened shortly after 6pm.