Current and former students and colleagues have paid tribute to a senior teacher at a Twickenham school who died this week after a long illness.

Margaret Digby had worked at Waldegrave School for Girls, in Fifth Cross Road, since it opened in 1980 and was assistant headteacher and head of the upper school.

She suffered a stroke in the summer and after battling to recover, died on Tuesday.

Headteacher Philippa Nunn led the tributes and said Mrs Digby would be sadly missed by governors, students, colleagues, ex-colleagues and her many friends in the area.

The school governors issued a statement describing her as “an unforgettable personality, an integral part of Waldegrave School and a key contributor to its consistent record of excellence”, and students past and present have been issuing their own tributes.

Three groups have been set up on social networking site Facebook with hundreds of students joining up and many offering their sympathies and memories.

Vicky Rance, one contributor, wrote: “Nemesis of the lower school, friend to the upper school. Rest in Peace Mrs Digby, Thank you for all you gave the girls of Waldegrave.

“You will be missed. xxxx.”

Ms Nunn said: “Margaret was an outstanding teacher and leader. She was committed to the education of young women and worked tirelessly over thirty years with so many girls in the local area, including the mothers of some of our present students.

“Many ex-students have fond memories of Mrs Digby, who was a big influence in their lives during their time in the upper school.

“She was always keen to get the best from ‘her girls’, for them to be proud of being a student at Waldegrave, to share in their success as well as supporting them in times of difficulty.

“Our thoughts are with Margaret’s family at this very sad time.”

Waldegrave has announced it is discussing plans to hold a memorial event which will include fundraising for Charing Cross Hospital Critical Care Unit.

Details will be posted on the school’s website waldegrave.richmond.sch.uk

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• Did you know Mrs Digby? Leave your tributes in the comments section below.