An inspirational teacher who dedicated her life to education has lost her battle against breast cancer.

Liz Gilchrist, 59, who taught at Bayswater Middle School and subsequently Bayards Hill Primary School in Barton, Oxford, died on October 5.

She was a pupil at Banbury Grammar School before attending Sheffield College of Education to train as a teacher.

Her first teaching post was as a class teacher at Donnington County Junior School, in Cornwallis Road, Oxford.

In April 1976, Ms Gilchrist, right, moved to Bayswater Middle School and was charged with the responsibility of coordinating the introduction - for the first time - of nine- and 10-year-olds into the new school.

She successfully pioneered many initiatives, including creating the new curriculum, organising extremely imaginative productions, and leading trips to Hill End Camp and other Oxfordshire centres.

Bayards Hill head- teacher Keith Ponsford said: "Her planning and preparation was thorough and methodical but her own desk was something of an organisational disaster and a standing joke among her colleagues.

"She was very creative and not only enjoyed lace making and sewing, but took after-school clubs in both."

Ms Gilchrist devoted her life to teaching children.

Mr Ponsford added: "Her positive influence reached the hundreds of pupils, parents and colleagues who were fortunate enough to have known her."

Ms Gilchrist leaves a sister, a niece, aunt and cousins.