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

Barbara Ramshaw's Dihatsu Charade car hit a lamppost on the A689, in High West Road, Crook, as she drove from her home in Fir Tree to visit her sister, Joyce Charlton,

Police investigating the cause of the accident yesterday said that no other vehicle was involved.

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

She spent most of her teaching career at St John's, joining the staff in 1967 after a year at a school in Billingham.

Former St John's headteacher Brian Jones said hundreds of pupils would have fond memories of Mrs Ramshaw from her 30 years in the same department.

He said: "She was a dedicated teacher who gave many years of fine service to St John's. She was an extremely valued and warm member of staff, with an excellent sense of humour. She was always concerned about the welfare of her students."

He added: "Those who knew her will remember her for her integrity and sense of vocation."

Parkside headteacher Roland Sterry broke the news of Mrs Ramshaw's death in three school assemblies yesterday.

Pupils and staff shared prayers.

Mr Sterry said: "She was an excellent teacher who always helped and encouraged her pupils. She was a very caring person who was thoughtful of others and sensitive to their needs. She was well liked and respected by her colleagues."

Mrs Ramshaw was the youngest of nine and was a former pupil of Wolsingham Comprehensive School.

Accident investigators appealed for witnesses to the tragedy, which happened at 6.15pm, to telephone 0191-386-4929