CHILDREN at a primary school have paid tribute to a much-loved teaching assistant by releasing hundreds of balloons in a special memorial service.

All 400 hundred children at Skerne Park Academy in Darlington headed to the school grounds where each pupil released a blue balloon in memory of Seonaid Hill, 39, who died suddenly in January.

The children’s parents also brought along their own pink balloons shaped like hearts to pay tribute to the nursery assistant.

In the service led by Reverend Sue Bell of St Columba’s Church in Darlington, children read a prayer thanking Mrs Hill for her help and support.

A pupil from each year lit a candle in memory of the teaching assistant alongside her family members.

Mrs Hill’s husband, Daniel Hill said: “She just always had time for everybody, she was always helping other people and never did anything for herself. She always put others first.”

During the service, Amazing Grace was played on the bagpipes in tribute to Mrs Hill’s love of Scotland and family heritage.

Her family and friends attended the day. Speaking after the service her mother Rachel Taylor said: “We were so proud of her, she was a fantastic daughter and a fantastic sister. She loved her job at Skerne Park school.

“We are proud of what the school has done for her as well, the service was amazing especially to fetch the bagpipes into it because I’m from the outer Outer Hebrides in Scotland.”

Headteacher at the academy, Kate Chisholm said: “She was the most loving caring person we’ve ever met. She was an amazing member of the team and she was such a natural with children, she worked really well with them. They loved her completely.”