TRIBUTES have been paid to a 'compassionate and caring' teacher - with the school in Millom where she worked for 21 years being closed so staff can attend her funeral service.

St James' Catholic Primary School in Millom will be closed on Wednesday, December 7 to allow staff and pupils to attend Caroline Reed's funeral service.

Mrs Reed was described as a 'caring colleague' who showed 'genuine love and concern' for all the students she supported at the school.

She attended St James' first as a pupil, then went on to be a teacher and parent with the school community playing 'a huge part' in her life.

In a statement, headteacher Nerissa Nicholas said: "Caroline worked here at St James’ for  just over 21 years both as a class teacher and most recently as our interventions and mental health lead, working 1:1 with children who needed some additional support either academically or in terms of their emotional wellbeing and mental health.

"Caroline loved her job and was a passionate and talented teacher who showed genuine love and concern for the children she supported whilst also being a compassionate and caring colleague who had a great sense of humour.

"She is going to be hugely missed by us all, and especially by her husband, Ian, and children Frank and Mariella, but she will always be remembered with a smile - she left us with many happy memories to treasure."

Mrs Reed wanted the school to be an 'active part' of the funeral with pupils being invited to sing as part of the service.