The headteacher of an Ashby primary school devastated by the death of a much-loved member of staff has thanked the community for its messages of 'support and love'.

Hayley Foster worked at Woodcote Primary School for around 10 years as a full-time staff member.

She was a teaching assistant with the social, emotional and mental health hub as well as a lunchtime supervisor and breakfast club lead.

The school has been inundated with messages of support and scores of contributions to an online fundraiser Woodcote Primary

Just Giving Fundraiser for Hayley Foster set up in Miss Foster's memory.

Just days after being launched, the fundraiser in aid of the Huntington's Disease Association currently stands at £1,530, far exceeding its £1,000 target.

Suzanne Jones, headteacher of the Willowbrook Close school, said: "Thank you to everyone who has sent messages of support and love at what has been a very difficult time for our Woodcote family.

"Also a massive thank you for everyone who has donated on our JustGiving page in Miss Foster's memory.

"The family chose the Huntington's Disease Association as it is a charity very close to their hearts.

"The amount raised has been nothing short of amazing, and is testament to how much Miss Foster was loved.

"Staff at the school are all very close and this has been absolutely devastating - Miss Foster was so wonderful."

Teachers are supporting pupils, currently being homeschooled, by each sending a video message to their class to help children cope with the difficult emotions they may be experiencing.

Mrs Jones has also videoed herself reading The Invisible String, about the unbreakable connections between loved ones.

"We chose this story to dedicate to Miss Foster and help the children understand that we're all still connected...even if we can't be together at the moment," added Mrs Jones.