READERS have been paying tributes to a much loved former teacher from Worcester who died earlier this month.

On the Worcester News Facebook page, former pupils shared their memories of Jill Baker, who died aged 78 at the Lawns Nursing Home in Kempsey.

On Facebook, Dawn Turner wrote: "Aw, what a great loss. Fabulous teacher. It goes to show that adults remembering her from 40 years ago, that she made a huge positive impression on many children. Including me. Rest in peace lovely x"

Miss Baker, who died on April 2, worked at Cherry Orchard School in the city for 30 years, and was a keen member of many local groups.

Brenda Harvey wrote: "RIP miss Jill Baker - a special person and friend to all the children at Cherry Orchard who passed through her care especially all the great netball teams through the years. God Bless Miss Baker, an excellent teacher."

READ MORE: Tributes to popular Worcester teacher Jill Baker, who helped more than 1,000 pupils

Anne Heinrich wrote: "Think I was in Miss Bakers first class when she came to Cherry Orchard. She also taught both of my daughters. Really good teacher and will always be remembered."

Rachel Bluck wrote: "RIP Miss Baker, remember her well, very strict, but always fair. I was also part of her netball team."

Miss Baker was born in St John's in 1941, growing up there and attending Worcester Grammar School for Girls.

In 1960 she left Worcester to complete her teacher training in Bishop’s Stortford before returning to take up her first job at what was St John’s Girls School.

In 1965 she began her time with Cherry Orchard, remaining a popular figure there for more than 30 years.

She was a member of the St John's Players and was a keen artist who regularly followed Worcestershire County Cricket Club.

She taught at Cherry Orchard from 1965 to 1998 and is estimated to have taught more than 1,000 pupils in her time with the school.