A "REMARKABLE" teacher is being mourned by her students.

The 520 pupils at Lowfield School in west York are coming to terms with the loss of English teacher Christine Unsworth, who has died of cancer aged 58.

Mrs Unsworth, who lived in York, started her teaching career in 1969, and joined the Lowfield staff in 1985.

Her talents as a teacher were recognised in 2002, when she was "specially commended" in the National Teaching Awards after being nominated by her pupils.

Lowfield head teacher John Thompson said: "I know that all connected with our school community will want to join me in sending condolences to her husband, Bryan, and her family.

"Her contribution will be valued by generations of Lowfield pupils, and I am particularly proud that she was specially commended in the National Teaching Awards as a result of her nomination by one of our pupils.

"Christine Unsworth was a remarkable person and a remarkable teacher. She will be greatly missed and fondly remembered."

Mrs Unsworth was absent from school for the autumn term last year following major surgery. She made an excellent recovery, and returned to teaching at the start of the spring term this year.

But, unfortunately, she was taken ill during February half-term, and her condition deteriorated swiftly from that time.

Mr Thompson said Mrs Unsworth had an infectious enthusiasm for her subject, and always sought to give fresh experiences to her pupils.

He said: "In return, they respected and trusted her. Indeed, many of them formed firm and long lasting friendships with her and have maintained contact since leaving school.

"Her classroom was an extension of her personality, containing a permanent display on the poet Seamus Heaney, who was one of her heroes, as well as personal artefacts, such as her hockey stick and ball in her younger days she was a talented player."

For many years she took young people to the theatre, including the Ludlow Festival in Shropshire.

In school she took part in drama productions and her performance as the King in the 2001 Pantomime Cinderella was masterfully "over the top". She also passed on her love of art by going with pupils on visits to galleries.

Mrs Unsworth's funeral will be at English Martyr's RC Church, at 2.30pm, next Wednesday. Former colleagues and pupils wishing to make a donation to Cancer Research can do so through Lowfield School.