TRIBUTES have been paid to a highly respected head teacher in York who has died suddenly.

Ann McKeown was the head teacher of Huntington Primary Academy, a role she held since 2006. She had been head teacher at Carr Infants School in Acomb a decade before that.

The school on North Road has been closed in tribute and will reopen on Wednesday.

Paul Gething, chairman of the board of trustees, said staff are "devastated" by Mrs McKeown's death.

"Ann was an incredibly popular woman, she was the foundation of the school. Lots of people are very distressed to find out she's no longer with us. The staff are in shock,” he said.

"She was incredibly dedicated to education. She was intensely professional and charismatic. She has done a lot for the school. She shaped the school I think.

"As a highly respected educator, Ann was someone who inspired and enriched the lives of countless young people throughout this city and beyond."

The school's deputy headteacher Kim Bailey has taken on the role of acting headteacher for the time being.