STAR readers have been paying their respects to a former school head teacher who has died, described as a "kind-hearted lovely lady".

Former head teacher of St Aidan’s CE Primary School in Billinge Mrs Melanie Ravenscroft died at Willowbrook Hospice on Sunday, May 2 aged 50.

There has been an outpouring of grief by staff, pupils, families and the wider community of the Billinge school, where she had been for 14 years.

Mrs Ravenscroft was head teacher at the school until Christmas 2020 when she took early retirement.

Flower tributes have been left at the school following her death by parents and pupil past and present and any donations are to be made to Willowbrook Hospice in her name.

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Star readers have expressed their sadness at the news of Mrs Ravenscroft's passing.

Bill Bradbury said: "You always got a welcoming smile every time you entered the school. Sadly missed by all whom she taught and worked with her."

Meanwhile, on the Star's social media channels, Georgina Ward wrote: "Rest in peace mrs ravenscroft. We will all miss u at st.Aidans, u was such a kind hearted lovely lady, ur memory will live on xxxxxxxx"

Diane Wright added: "Mel was a lovely person. She was wonderful to work alongside - nothing was too much trouble for her. My love and prayers go out to her family. Xx"

And Linda Smith said: "So heartbreakingly sad such a lovely woman"

Also, many heartfelt condolences have been written on Mrs Ravenscroft’s Remembr page by those who knew her

The page talks about how Mrs Ravenscroft "dedicated her life to helping others" and "touched the lives of so many little people and their families".

Melanie Ravenscroft at the 2018 Educate Awards, one of her proudest moments

Melanie Ravenscroft at the 2018 Educate Awards, one of her proudest moments

Many of the tributes described her as a caring, supporting and inspirational individual, who went above and beyond for those in school.

Mrs Ravenscroft had previously worked at Eccleston Mere Primary School and Evelyn Primary School.

She also spent time at Newton Primary School and at Sherdley Primary School. In addition, she also worked as an English consultant for St Helens LA.

In 2018, St Aidan’s won the Most Inspirational Primary School at the Educate Awards with Mrs Ravenscroft at the helm, which was by far one of her proudest moments.

In tribute, the school said: "The pupils and staff at St Aidan’s CE Primary school will miss her dearly but there are many ways in which her legacy will live on within the life of school and community".