Two schools and their pupils are mourning the deaths of two inspirational teachers.
Alan Maydon, 48, who had led the maths department at the Philip Morant School and College in Colchester for the past 20 years having taught there for 24, died after a long period of illness, said headteacher Sue Cowans.
Mrs Cowans paid tribute to Mr Maydon, who was married with two children, describing him as a "brilliant mathematician and tremendous teacher".
Meanwhile, Great Tey C Of E Primary School, near Colchester, is mourning the death of its headteacher Lynne Coleman, 52, who last week lost a battle against cervical cancer.
She had been the head of the school for eight years having previously worked at Layer de la Haye during a 30-year career in Essex.
Canon Peter Hartley, director of education for the Diocese of Chelmsford, paid tribute to Miss Coleman, 52, who lived in Suffolk.
"She led with great professionalism, serving the children and community and doing all that comes with being the headteacher of a school in a small village," he said.
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