PUPILS and staff at a North-East independent girls' school have said their own farewell to a much-loved teacher and friend.

Val Lawson, taught at Polam Hall School, Grange Road, Darlington, for 28 years.

She died earlier this month, aged 56, after a long battle against cancer.

Her memorial service yesterday afternoon provided the school with the opportunity to share their memories.

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 included year six girls recounting their memories of Mrs Lawson, poetry and singing.

Hymns included Mrs Lawson's favourite, Make Me A Channel of Your Peace.

Mrs Lawson's husband, Terry, joined members of staff in planting a rose bush 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.

"The service was a way of saying goodbye.