HEARTFELT tributes have been paid to a "legendary" staff member at Ortu Gable Hall, Corringham, who died aged 65.

Staff and colleagues have been fondly remembering Angela Allix, support assistant at the school, who passed away from a heart attack.

School bosses said their deepest sympathies were with her son, Matthew, 38, his wife, Emma, their two children, Jake and Aidan, and her wider family.

Tributes have poured in from across the school community, with bosses at Ortu Gable Hall saying: "It is with great sadness that we've received the news of Ange's passing - a loyal colleague and a dear friend to all who came across her.

"She was an integral part of the school and enjoyed a full career in which she positively influenced Ortu Gable Hall's pupils by supporting and inspiring our young people.

"She will always be remembered with fondness by the whole school community and we extend our deepest sympathies to her family and her many friends.

"She was approachable and a very caring member of staff who has given so many opportunities to pupils under her care over the years.

"There were so many people that wanted to be here to show their support for her and her family."

Support assistant, Liz Perry, and animal care teacher, Miss Lisa Hendy, said: "A tree is to be planted at the Ortu Gable Hall farm, which was her little haven, and we know that she would love this idea."

The Karis May Darling Foundation, which helps underprivileged children achieve their aspirations through sport and drama, have offered to pay for a defibrillator for the school in memory of Angela.

The foundation was set-up in memory of Karis May Darling who was just 12-years-old when she died in 2011 after contracting a bug called Streptococcus A which can develop into meningitis.

And Ortu Gable Hall is placing a memorial bench in the school farm for "Ange", a place very dear to her.

Angela's procession passed by Ortu Gable Hall School on Monday, 21 June at 12.40pm and made its way up to Performer's College for ex-staff and students to pay their respects. The whole school stood outside to pay their respects to Angela.