PUPILS and staff at a Darlington independent girls' school have said their own farewell to a much-loved teacher and friend.
Val Lawson, who died recently after a long battle against cancer, had taught at Polam Hall, in Grange Road, for 28 years.
A memorial service on Friday afternoon provided the whole school with the opportunity to share their own memories.
The school's headteacher Helen Hamilton, led the tributes, followed by a reading by Angela Foster, junior school headteacher.
Upper sixth form student Katie Pratt played a violin solo and other contributions to the service included Year 6 girls recounting their own memories of Mrs Lawson, as well as poetry and singing.
Hymns included Mrs Lawson's favourite, Make Me A Channel of Your Peace.
As part of the proceedings, Mrs Lawson's husband, Terry, joined members of staff in planting a rose tree outside the main building in his wife's memory.
Mrs Hamilton said: "The service was a good way for us all to come together with our memories of Val Lawson.
"The children were a huge part of her life as she was of theirs and the service was a way of saying goodbye.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article