More than 1,000 school pupils lined the streets and applauded in a final tribute to their inspirational teacher who was killed in an accident in a supermarket car park.
Tracey Askham, who was a teacher at Immanuel College, died on August 28, a week after she became trapped behind her car at Morrisons in Five Lanes End, Idle, when it was hit by another vehicle.
The popular and well-known teacher had worked at the Church of England Secondary Science College for 13 years.
A sea of flowers and personal messages had been placed in the school’s grounds in Leeds Road, Thackley, by pupils keen to show how much the 47-year-old meant to them. They included cards praising the caring and motivational teacher.
Yesterday, her funeral was held at St James’ Church in Thornton, where a collection was held towards a memorial bench at the church.
A school spokesman said: “Around 1,100 students, plus teachers, showed their respect for Mrs Askham today by lining the road and access to the College.
“The funeral cortege made its way past the flowers and tributes placed by students, formerstudents and staff. The students spontaneously applauded as the cars brought Mrs Askham past the College where she had worked for the last 13 years.
“This showed the tremendous affection felt for such an inspirational teacher and friend.”
The spokesman said the Immanuel family had lost a “much valued member of staff.”
The funeral was for family and close friends, but pupils from Years 8 to 13 were invited to stand outside school as the cortege passed through school to acknowledge the floral tributes that had been placed at the main entrance.
“Thank you again for your understanding and all your kind thoughts and prayers at this difficult time for Immanuel and Tracey’s family,” the spokesman said.
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