Rhoda Baddon, who was head of year seven and drama, died on November 20 following a short battle with a rare form of gall bladder cancer. She was 49.

Born and educated in Glasgow, Rhoda married husband Mark in 1990 and the couple settled in Camblesforth before moving to South Milford in 1993. They had a son Jack, now 14, and although they divorced last year, remained a close family.

Mark said: "Rhoda was only diagnosed with cancer in October. It was terminal but she was so positive and we expected her to be with us well into the Spring.

"She had started a course of chemotherapy and organised so much to cram into her final months. She was well and happy until the day before she died, but suffered complications and deteriorated rapidly, passing away with Jack and I by her side."

Rhoda (pictured with Jack) joined The Snaith School 20 years ago as an English teacher, and later taught drama before achieving promotion to head of department.

Mark added: "Rhoda was very into her work, and it was important to her she did her job well.

"She wanted to retire to the Isle of Arran, where she holidayed every year, and during her final trip there reflected she'd had a good life, had a wonderful family and had fulfilled her achievements in her career.

"Jack was her world, she loved him dearly and in the short time since her diagnosis, his future and wellbeing were her first priority.

"We've been overwhelmed by the sea of tributes and support, and for that Jack and I would like to thank each and every individual."

Headteacher Jean Pickerill said: "During Rhoda's years at the school, through her sheer enthusiasm, empathy, energy and enormous sense of fun, she has guided and motivated pupils and staff alike.

"Rhoda always had time for everyone, and her death is a great loss to us all in the school and the wider community. She will be sadly missed and our heartfelt sympathies go out to Rhoda's family."

The Snaith School postponed it's annual awards night last Thursday after learning of Rhoda's death.

A funeral was held on Friday at Pontefract Crematorium, where mourners were asked to wear bright colours and make donations in lieu of flowers to Cancer Research through the http://myprojects.cancerresearchuk.org/projects/bowel-cancer website.