A WINCHESTER primary school shut for the day in honour of a school governor.
Classes were put on hold at Stanmore Primary School yesterday as staff, pupils and parents mourned the loss of Mary Gray.
The school closed to allow staff to attend Mrs Gray's funeral, which was held in Oxfordshire.
A tribute to Mrs Gray, who died in a car accident over Easter aged 54, was left on the school's website by head teacher, Amanda Jones.
It read: "Mary will be sadly missed by the staff, parents and children past and present at Stanmore Primary School.
"As a teaching assistant in the junior school Mrs Gray gave her time unselfishly working beyond expected hours supporting children in years three and four and assisting teachers in a wide ranging role.
"She helped many children in year four learn to swim and was an eager volunteer for any school residential trip.
"This year she accompanied children in Year 5 to Beaulieu, once again making sure every child was well cared and provided for."
The school also plans to hold its own memorial to Mrs Gray, whose three children all attended Stanmore Primary.
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