Heartfelt tribute to 'passionate and committed' Burnley deputy headteacher

Donna Gadd, who was deputy headteacher at Wellfield Methodist and Anglican Church School, was reported missing from her home address in Higham on Tuesday morning.

Following a search by police and family members a body was found the next day in the Sabden Fold area.

Describing Mrs Gadd as 'well loved and respected' Mrs Maria Ellel, who is the headteacher at Wellfield, said: " We are very saddened to hear this terrible news. We are a very close school community and this is a tremendous shock to us all

"Donna was well-loved and respected by staff, pupils and parents. She had many close friends in school, and also maintained relationships with past members of staff .

"She was passionate and committed to the pupils and to ensuring that they had a good future.

"We are working closely with the county council to ensure we offer our pupils and staff support to help them to come to terms with this.

"Our thoughts, sympathies and prayers are with Donna's family and friends at this very sad and difficult time."

A spokesman for Lancashire Police said Mrs Gadd's death was not being treated as suspicious and a file is being prepared for HM Coroner.