PUPILS and colleagues at Ulverston Victoria High School have paid tribute to a dedicated and inspirational teacher who has died.

Tracy Slater, who has been described by the school's headteacher as an "inspirational individual", died on August 19.

The mother-of-two to Oliver and Edward, and wife of Tony, worked in the special educational needs and disabilities department at UVHS and the school has led tributes to Mrs Slater.

Headteacher Denis Fay said in a statement to staff and governors last week: "Tracy was a very dedicated member of staff and a particularly effective champion for all our students.

"Many times I left her Year 7 lessons inspired by the atmosphere, progress and enthusiasm she generated within the classroom.

"She also gave freely of her time outside the classroom and was a dynamic leader of the Circles Group which was designed to bolster the confidence and independence of some of our children. Rest in peace Tracy."

In a further tribute, staff at the school spoke of their "great sadness" following the death of a much-loved colleague.

"It was with great sadness that the UVHS community learnt of Tracy’s passing," the statement read.

"She was an inspirational individual – an incredibly valued member of the teaching staff working in the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities department – and she will be sorely missed by colleagues, students, parents and governors alike."

Mrs Slater's funeral is due to be held at Beetham Crematorium on Tuesday September 5 at 2pm.

The family has requested no flowers and any donations will go to Far Sawrey to raise money for a defibrillator.