TRIBUTES have been paid by former colleagues and pupils of retired senior schoolmistress Valerie Waller, who died suddenly at her home at the age of 67.

Mrs Waller taught biology and French at Staindrop Comprehensive School for more than 25 years, before retiring in 1991.

A popular teacher, she was originally from South Shields and took a teaching training course in Newcastle before taking a post at King James Grammar School, in Bishop Auckland.

A keen walker and skier, she remarried 13 years ago and lived with her husband Idris Waller at Hereford House, in Staindrop.

She also leaves two daughters, Ingrid, who is a trained teacher and lives in Vietnam, and Dagmar, a successful television producer responsible for programmes such as Airline.

Jeff Dobson, who worked with her for several years, said: "Valerie and I fought like cat and dog, but in the nicest possible way.

"She was an incredibly generous person, both in her personal and professional life.

"She helped set up the typing department at Staindrop and she was also actively involved in setting up French exchange visits, and she developed links with our twinned school."

Former pupils have also paid tribute to her, describing Mrs Waller as a teacher who commanded respect by being firm but fair.

A funeral service took place at St Mary's Church, Staindrop.