STAFF and pupils at a school rocked by the death of one of its teachers have held a special assembly in her memory.

Heather Schofield, a geography teacher at Moorland School in Clitheroe, died as a result of a diving accident on Easter Monday. The 26-year-old, whose birthday would have been last Saturday, had been touring Ireland for the Easter break with her mother Myra, of Painter Wood, Billington.

Headteacher Paul Smith said: "It is just devastating for us. She had thrown herself into her job since arriving last September on both the academic and boarding side of school life."

Heather, president of Ribble Valley Rotaract, had previously taught at Gawthorpe High School, Padiham. She moved out of her mother's and into her own home in Whalley Road, Hurst Green, about 18 months ago.

Her funeral takes place on Monday at Whalley Parish Church, at 11am. Her parents, Myra and Brian, said they hoped as many of her friends as possible would attend to make it a celebration of her life. The family have requested only family flowers, with donations in lieu to Derian House, c/o Wolstenholme Funeral Services, Willows Lane, Accrington, BB5 0RT.