COLCHESTER United are planning a matchday tribute to a popular teacher who followed the team for 28 years.

Deb Clitheroe, deputy head of St Osyth Primary School, will be remembered by the U’s at Saturday’s match against League 1 rivals Norwich City.

She died of cancer, aged 46, just before Christmas and even in death, her love of the club was recognised by the fact many mourners at her funeral, on January 4, wore blue and white scarves and ties.

Her sister, Sue Bond, said she lived for her family and friends, the school and for football. Deb travelled the length and breadth of the country following the U’s and, incredibly, had missed just one game in 28 years, until she fell ill.

Sue said: “Deb fought so hard against the cancer and was so brave and positive throughout.

“She was always busy, yet nothing was ever too much trouble. She would always go that extra mile for people.”

Deb trained as a teacher in Brentwood, excelling at maths and carrying out voluntary work in Romania during college holidays.

She taught at Bursville School, Great Clacton, before joining St Osyth Primary, where she served as deputy head for five years. She also taught computing at other schools across the area.

The Rev Martin Flowerdew, who often visited the school, said: “Deb had an excellent sense of humour, was patient, extremely knowledgeable and hard working.

“She made lessons fun and got the most she could out of the children to set them up for the future.”

The funeral was at a packed St Paul’s Church, St Osyth, and was followed by a thanksgiving service at the school for the children.

Headteacher Tim Palmer said: “She will be so dearly missed by all who knew her. She was an inspiration to us all.”

He sister added: “Many said it was the most moving, beautiful and memorable service they had ever been to. The tributes at the funeral said it all. She was a remarkable person and has left a huge gap to all those who she knew and loved.”

Deb raised money through the school for cancer charities, including the Mary Barron chemotherapy ward at Essex County Hospital, Colchester.

Donations from the funeral will go to the school, which is renovating its library in her memory.