THE husband of a York head teacher who died suddenly has paid moving tribute to his wife as “a loving, caring, understanding and loyal soulmate”.

Ann McKeown ran Huntington Primary Academy for over a decade, having previously worked at Carr Infants School in Acomb.

After Mrs McKeown died unexpectedly last weekend, the school was closed for two days to allow staff and pupils to grieve, and tributes have flooded in from colleagues and peers.

Mrs McKeown’s husband Geoff contacted The Press to add his own tribute. He said the pair would have celebrated their 27th wedding anniversary next month.

He said: “I have been the luckiest man in the world for the 36 years that Ann has been the most precious part of my life.

“Ann was a wonderful wife throughout all of our married life. She was, is and will always remain the best part of me. A loving, caring, understanding and loyal soul mate who put my needs and the needs of others before her own.”

Mr McKeown said he and his family were “devastated by Ann’s untimely passing”, but they took pride in her achievements and were grateful for the goodwill and tributes seen in the days since her death.

He said: “We are very, very proud of her many achievements in both her personal and professional lives.

“As a family we have taken great solace from the overwhelming widespread response to Ann's passing. We thank you for your kindness and compassion.

“We also are aware of the grief being experienced by Ann's friends, colleagues and the many parents and children who knew Ann. You too are in our thoughts at this time of loss and deep sadness.”

Floral tributes have been placed outside the school gates by parents and children in memory of Mrs McKeown, who was described by the chairman of the school’s Board of Trustees as being incredibly popular.

Paul Gething told The Press: “As a highly respected educator, Ann was someone who inspired and enriched the lives of countless young people throughout this city and beyond.

“She was incredibly dedicated to education. She was intensely professional and charismatic. She has done a lot for the school. She shaped the school, I think.”

Deputy headteacher Kim Bailey has taken on the role of acting headteacher at the school, which reopened to students on Wednesday.