A PERMANENT memorial is to be created as a lasting tribute to a popular teacher who positively impacted on the lives of hundreds of people in Chard.

Staff and pupils at Holyrood Academy were stunned by the sudden death of Jacquie Wheatley over the Christmas break.

Despite being in apparent good health, she had a stroke and died on Monday, January 3.

Ms Wheatley, 58, who was born in Liss, Hampshire, taught maths at Holyrood for 31 years and was a pillar of the Chard community.

Headteacher Dave MacCormick said she had had a huge impact on the town and effected positively the lives of young people in the area.

"Jacquie really cared and was always helping the children," said Mr MacCormick.

"That care was a real attribute that she had and she was involved in all manner of activities such as leading trips and charity events.

"She was the kind of person who was always there to share a joke, share a story.

"The selflessness she showed in her professional life and in volunteering absolutely defined her as a person.

"She cared for her colleagues deeply and was there to offer advice where needed.

"She was a great laugh and was lovely to have around.

"She was a real matriarch among the staff.

"She will be sorely missed.

"We send our condolences to the family and our heartfelt thanks to Jacquie for her amazing commitment and friendship of the school."

Outside school, Ms Wheatley was heavily involved in the community.

She was an active member of Chard Methodist Church and on the committee of Churches Together in Chard.

She volunteered as a street pastor to help young people get home safely at night.

Mr MacCormick said: "Jacquie took on leadership responsibilities outside her teaching.

"She devoted her entire life to this community."

The school is working with students and Ms Wheatley's parents to decide what form a permanent memorial to her should take.

Miss Wheatley's funeral is at Taunton Deane Crematorium at 12 noon on Tuesday, February 1, followed by a service at Chard Methodist Church at 3pm and refreshments at Holyrood Academy (lower site).

The family have asked for no flowers please, but instead for donations to be made to Holyrood Academy and/or Chard Methodist Church c/o Rev Anna Flindell.

The school will be closed for the day.