VILLAGERS have spoken of their shock following news of the death of headteacher Helen Mann.

Yesterday residents living near Sytchampton Endowed First School in the tiny hamlet situated on the A449 between Worcester and Stourport-on-Severn have expressed their sadness at her death.

Ruth Stacey, who lives a few doors away and has three children at the school, said the community would come out in support for the school she described as special and popular.

She said: “It’s a really popular local school and there’s a tight knit community round here. I know all the parents and people in the village will rally around and support the school with anything that has happened.”

Parish councillor and treasurer of the village’s community centre, Mike Best, who lives in Sytchampton Lane, said: “It’s really sad, the school is always busy. I think everyone in this lane will be saddened to hear the news.

“It’s a very supportive community where everyone supports each other.”

Edmund Tapp, also of Sytchampton Lane, said: “I really don’t know very much about her because she hadn’t been appointed for very long.

“I was just surprised and very sad because she was not very old.”

Another Sytchampton Lane resident, Chris Fletcher, said: “You are deeply saddened by anybody’s loss, but it is a shock because not very much happens here.”

Mrs Mann had been deputy headteacher at Millfields First School, in Swift Close, Bromsgrove, for four years until she left last Easter.

Headmaster Paul Gibbs said: “Everyone connected with Millfields is deeply shocked and saddened by the news.

"She was an extremely hardworking, dedicated teacher who always had the children’s best interests at heart. We would like to send our heartfelt condolences to her family at this sad time.”