A MUCH-loved Rowley Regis teacher who died from leukaemia has been remembered at a memorial service held at the school she served for 34 years.

Staff, pupils, parents - past and present - of Rowley Hall Primary joined together to honour Gwen Gibson, who passed away in August.

She spent her last eight years at the school as deputy headteacher and retired two years ago, aged 56, to look after her grandchildren, but sadly became unwell shortly afterwards.

Current deputy Joanne Cooling said: “Gwen was very much part of the school, we all learned from her and a lot of what we do now are things that she put in place.

“Everyone was devastated when she died.”

A book of condolences has been opened and the children have put together a book of memories to give to her family Former pupil Aaron Cooper, now at St Michael’s CE High School, became the first recipient of a special award for excellence set up in Mrs Gibson’s name, which was presented to him at last Thursday’s service.

“She would have been very pleased with that. She did an awful lot to help children and their families,” added Mrs Cooling.

A magnolia tree in memory of Mrs Gibson was planted in the school grounds following the service, which was also attended by her family and local authority education officers.

A bench in her honour has also been bought by the school and given pride of place in the playground.