AN inquest has been opened into the death of a former deputy headteacher who died suddenly on Boxing Day.

Kim Perrin, 58, had recently moved to Kirby le Soken.

She had taught at Basildon’s Len Wastell Infant School for more than 20 years, but retired just over a year ago to spend more time travelling with husband Fred.

She had continued to use her maiden name Adams at work.

Headteacher Sasha Furze said: “Kim had taught at the school since 1990 and spent her entire teaching career spanning 23 years at Len Wastell.

“During that time, she worked with literally hundreds of families, supporting both children and parents during their time at the school and often beyond their infant school education.

“Kim had a particular passion for special needs and having had her own experiences in raising children with additional needs, brought empathy and compassion to her role, which was recognised and valued by all who worked with her.

“Kim had taught many of our children’s parents and relatives, and they all hold fond memories of her story telling."

Mrs Perrin died in Ramsden Heath on December 26. The provisional cause of death was head injuries consistent with a fall.

An inquest into her death was opened and adjourned in Chelmsford on Monday.