A FUNDRAISING page for an "inspiration" volunteer and teacher has been set up following her death at the age of 42.

Lydia Pettit died on Wednesday and a fundraising website to raise money for her children and funeral costs, set up on Thursday night, had raised more than £1,700 of a £4,000 goal by Friday morning.

Her niece Lauren Eldon said: "She was a true inspiration. People were in awe of her, everybody loved her."

Miss Pettit was born in Worcester and lived in the city, as well as Droitwich and Pershore before her death.

She worked as a teacher at St Peter’s First School in Droitwich and Blackminster Middle School in Evesham, before becoming a full-time carer for her young children.

Lauren said: "She dedicated her life to being the best mum.

"In her spare time she was a volunteer including for Read Easy Pershore and Evesham, helping adults learn how to read. A lot of people will know her from that.

"A true inspiration and will be missed by so many people."

REMEMBERED: Lydia Pettit

REMEMBERED: Lydia Pettit

The fundraising group, entitled 'In memory of the beautiful, kind Lydia' and written by Lauren said: "On Wednesday we lost our beautiful, kind-hearted, selfless and strong Lydia Pettit.

"Most importantly, her children lost their mum. The best mum in the whole world.

"Lydia was a shining star and touched the hearts of anyone who met her. She was one in a million. She was an inspirational teacher, and the reason why I started teaching myself.

"She was an incredible mum, that was always having fun and making amazing memories with her children. She had the patience of a saint and a heart of gold.

"I hope you know how much we truly love you and admire you.

"Rest easy Lydia, I hope you have found the peace you truly deserve and you feel as happy as you made everyone around you feel.

"We would love to give Lydia’s beautiful children a special place for them to visit. A place that represents how special and warm Lydia is. Any donation would be appreciated and all the money will go towards funeral funds and creating that special place for her children."

The fundraising page can be found here.