TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Clitheroe head teacher who has died aged 89.

Barbara Bingham, former head of Clitheroe Girls’ Grammar School, died on Monday at Beech Grove Care Home in the town.

Born in Preston, Barbara studied geography at Liverpool University before starting a teaching career.

She began her career at a grammar school in Bristol and moved to Wallasey High School for Girls near Liverpool three years later.

She became head of geography department when Penwortham Girls’ Grammar School in Preston opened in 1954.

A year later she was appointed deputy head before moving to Clitheroe Girls’ Grammar School in 1964.

She retired in 1985 after overseeing the preparations for the boys’ and girls’ schools’ merger.

Barbara was a long-time member of St Mary Magdalene’s Church in Clitheroe and also served as a Justice of the Peace.

Mary Robinson, who knew her for more than 30 years, said: “She will be sadly missed by many people and I always got on with her very well.

“She was very well respected in the community.

“She always kept a tight ship and was strict because she was old school but I never had any problem with that. I always found her to be a lovely person.”

Revd Andy Froud said: “She was the heart of both the church and the community.

“I always liked that whenever she walked into a room people would straighten their ties and make themselves look more presentable in front of her.

“She will be greatly missed at the church and was active right up to the end of her life.

“She was always going out and doing little jobs for everyone and was very thoughtful.”

Judith Child, Clitheroe Royal Grammar School headteacher, said; “We were very sorry to hear that Miss Bingham had passed away.

“Miss Bingham was a highly respected member of our school community.

“She was a wonderful headteacher and a great inspiration to the girls in her care.

“She was a member of the Clitheronians’ Association and was honoured to have recently held the position of President.

The funeral will be held at St Mary Magdalene’s Church, Clitheroe, on Monday, from 1.30pm.