TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular long-serving schoolteacher in the Bradford district who has died of a brain haemorrhage.

Debbie Murray, who worked at Beckfoot School, Bingley, died suddenly on April 23. She was 51.

Mrs Murray started teaching at the Wagon Lane school in 1992 and specialised in chemistry.

A memorial area and book of condolences have been set up in the school to invite students and teachers to share their memories of the popular teacher.

These will be passed onto her husband John and three children after her funeral, which is due to be held on Friday, May 15.

Mrs Murray has been described as a warm, caring and popular teacher by her fellow staff members.

In a statement posted on the school's website, headteacher David Horn said Mrs Murray helped thousands of students develop an interest in science during her time at Beckfoot School.

He said: "She was also a wonderful tutor, greatly respected and liked by her students.

"She was a special talent. I know that she loved working at Beckfoot.

"I hope this was because our culture and ethos matched her own.

"Debbie was a fantastically loyal and positive colleague. She was incredibly popular. Everybody liked Debbie.

"She had a great sense of humour, was incredibly warm and caring. She would do anything for anybody."

Mr Horn added the whole school were shocked and devastated by Mrs Murray's death, with students informed of the news during a series of assemblies held on April 24.

Mr Horn said: "We are all devastated and shocked to not have her with us anymore.

"Over the years she has made a difference to the lives of thousands of young people, be it preparing them to pass A levels, GCSEs or simply developing a love of science.

"The book of condolences has allowed our students and staff the opportunity to show their appreciation of all she brought to our community."

Now Beckfoot staff are also looking into setting up a permanent memorial to serve as a legacy to Mrs Murray's life to celebrate the impact she made during her long-standing spell at the the school.