Tributes have been paid to popular teacher and musician Elizabeth McBeath, of Wymondham, who has died aged 89.

Mrs McBeath was a teacher at Wymondham College for 25 years and was described as a 'formidable character' who contributed in many ways to the life of the school.

Mrs McBeath, whose maiden name was Mair, founded the school's Mair Cup, which has been given to the school's house presenting the best musical entertainment annually for the past 50 years.

Norman McBeath, her stepson, said she would be missed by many.

He said: 'On her retirement from Wymondham College the words 'thank you' were spelled out for her with fireworks.

'The head of college described her as having had a unique and irreplaceable role.'

Mrs McBeath first joined the college in 1961 as an English teacher, and left five years later when she married Barry McBeath. She returned in 1971 with her husband also being appointed director of music at the school.

She was a talented violinist and played in several orchestras, and led the college orchestra in many productions.

Mrs McBeath also taught in the history and modern languages departments, was a founding member of the school's parents-staff association and a member of its library committee for 23 years.

In her later years at the college she assumed responsibility for children with special needs, helping many overcome writing and spelling problems.

Mr McBeath said: 'In her retirement Elizabeth got much enjoyment from attending Italian language classes in the town of Montepulciano. She did this for quite a few years and made some good friends on her annual trips to Italy.

'One of Elizabeth's passions was gardening and she would spend many happy hours tending her large garden and always finding more jobs that needed to be done.'

Mrs McBeath retired in 1993, having also been senior mistress, house warden and senior deputy principal.

She lived her final three years at Hethersett Hall, and Mr McBeath said he wanted to thank the staff there for the care, attention and sensitivity they had given her. She died on March 1.

The funeral will take place at Earlham Crematorium on Wednesday, April 5 at 1.30pm.

Flowers can be given by 11am, or donations can be made in her memory to Alzheimer's Research UK, c/o Gordon Barber Funeral Home, 317 Aylsham Road, Norwich, NR3 2AB.