A 'MUCH respected' teaching assistant at a Tavistock school died during a walking holiday in France last week.

Felicity Ward, 52, known affectionately as 'Fizz' and a teaching assistant at St Peter's CE Junior School, had been hiking in the Alps in eastern France where she is believed to have fallen hundreds of feet.

Her body was found by walkers on the morning of Wednesday, August 14.

A statement on the school's website read: 'We regret to inform you that Mrs Fizz Ward has died tragically during a walking holiday in France. Although we are awaiting more information from the relevant authorities, if anyone wishes to send cards of condolence, please send them care of the school and we will ensure they are forwarded to her family.

'Fizz was a much respected and valued member of staff who will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family at this sad time.'

Headteacher at St Peter's, Clare Wesson, paid tribute to Mrs Ward and her hard-working role within the school.

She said: 'Fizz was a highly valued member of staff who will be greatly missed, especially by those who worked most closely with her at St Peter's.

'She had a gift for working with children with special needs because she was sensitive, empathic and highly reflective.

'She made a significant contribution to the school in her work on children's physical development where she combined her expertise in PE and sports teaching with her special needs work and helped many of our pupils to overcome difficulties.

'Fizz will be sorely missed on the staff team for her quiet wisdom, thoughtful suggestions and support for her colleagues.

'Fizz had so much more to give and we were looking forward to developing her role within this school year.

'Our only comfort is that she died doing what she loved, in the mountains she loved. In her aspiration to climb high alpine peaks solo, she set an example to us all to follow your dreams and make the most of life. Fizz loved mountains and she and I had many conversations about our favourite walks.

'Our thoughts and prayers are with her family this month but she will be in our hearts and minds for years to come.'