A SCHOOL was closed yesterday so staff and pupils could attend the funeral of a popular teacher, who died in a car smash.
Jennifer Askew, from School Street, Witton-le-Wear, died in Darlington Memorial Hospital after being involved in a head-on collision near her home on March 8.
Mother-of-two Mrs Askew, 54, was a food technology teacher and head of year eight at Staindrop Comprehensive School.
The school gained permission from Durham County Council to close to allow teachers, auxiliary staff and pupils to attend yesterday's service. Two coaches were also provided to take children to the service, at St Philip and St James' Church, Witton-le-Wear.
Mrs Askew's family asked that anyone who wished to make a donation did so to The Butterwick Hospice, through the school or church, or at The Victoria Inn, in Witton-le-Wear.
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