East Brent's Rossholme School is in mourning this week, after the death of one of its most popular and enduring figures.

Freda Ham died peacefully in her sleep last week at the age of 80 - and hundreds of friends, teachers, pupils and former pupils are expected to attend her funeral in the village next Thursday (November 25).

Rossholme head Judith Webb paid tribute to Miss Ham, who began at the school as a pupil aged nine, and taught until last year.

She said: "She was a very gentle person and was very talented - she had an amazing gift. There is not a single person alive who went to Rossholme who does not remember Freda."