TRIBUTES have been paid to a North-East teacher who died following a road accident during a holiday in Africa.

Mother-of-two Gillian Young Thompson-Rajana, 53, from Whitworth Terrace, Spennymoor, suffered multiple injuries several weeks ago in Botswana. She died on September 25 in a Johannesburg hospital.

It is understood she was walking along a pavement when she was hit by a vehicle which had been involved in a collision moments earlier.

Mrs Thompson-Rajana, who leaves husband Cecil and two daughters, Amla Jane and Ashti Sarah, was a well-loved teacher at Whitworth School, Spennymoor, where she had worked since September 1992.

Initially, she taught primary children before moving into the secondary department to teach a range of subjects including food technology.

Headteacher Lynette Ablett said yesterday: "Gillian was a caring and thoughtful teacher who showed great concern for all the pupils in the school.

"She always found time to listen to children's problems and helped wherever she could.

"She was a conscientious teacher, who supported all aspects of school life including the annual after-school trip to the pantomime at Spennymoor Town Hall.

"Gillian will be sadly missed by both pupils, staff, governors and parents."

An inquest into her death is due to be opened at Darlington Magistrates' Court today.

Mrs Thompson-Rajana is to be cremated at Durham Crematorium on Friday following a service in St Paul's Church, Spennymoor.