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.