A WOMAN who died while walking along a road just outside Witney was a former teacher in the town.

Christine Diacon, who was in her late 50s, suffered fatal injuries after being hit by a black Honda CR-V at about 3.55pm yesterday.

She was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident, on the westbound slip road of the A40, near High Cogges.

The Honda driver was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and bailed without charge until January 8.

The Oxfordshire Coroner's office said tonight that her body had been formally identified by her husband Graham Diacon.

The deputy headteacher of Henry Box School, Witney, paid tribute to Mrs Diacon, who took early retirement on health grounds in 2000.

David Bell said Mrs Diacon joined the school in September 1983 and went on to become head of technology.

He added: "She was with us for a long time and over the course of the years, became very well respected. She was a very caring and considerate teacher.

"She also taught art and took on a temporary post on the leadership team, along with the head, deputy head and small group of year headteachers, involved in the overall management of the school.

"It's a very sad loss, and our sympathies go the family."

Mrs Diacon and her husband, who had five children, now all grown up, used to live in Church Lane, Cogges, before moving to South Leigh Road, in High Cogges.

Mr Bell said that, although current Henry Box pupils would not have known Mrs Diacon, there were many hundreds of past pupils who were taught by her.

"I have already written to about 20-odd staff who have left and would have known her and will be contacting more over the weekend," he added.