HUNDREDS of tributes have been paid to a hugely popular teacher and “heart and soul” of Bromsgrove Prep School, who has sadly died at the age of 67.

Hilary Newton dedicated 20 years of her life teaching maths to thousands of youngsters as well as helping boarding pupils acclimatise to life in the town.

She first began teaching maths at the school in 1992 up until her retirement in 2012.

In 1998, Hilary and her husband Bob were also appointed as Cobham Houseparents, helping boarding students feel secure when they were away from home.

She ran numerous trips, even during the holidays, to places such as Hyde House in Dorset so pupils could develop skills such as sailing and raft building.

Mrs Jacqui Deval-Reed, prep school headmistress, said: “It was with great sadness that we learnt of the death of Hilary.

“Hilary was such a loved member of our staff, the true heart and soul of the school.

“Everything she did was for the pupils, and although she retired five years ago, we will miss her even more now.

“Hilary and her husband Bob were Houseparents to our boy boarders aged 7-13 for a great deal of that time and she is remembered with much love by all the boarders and the pupils she taught.”

Some of Hilary’s former students paid tribute to her on Facebook.

Polly White said: “She was such an amazing teacher, so many happy memories!”

Sophie Green said: “What a wonderful lady! Great teacher and the biggest heart.”

Jen Moore said: “Sad news - she helped me realise that I wasn't as bad at maths as I thought I was. I will always remember her sweets stash.”

Minky Bishop said: “Rest in peace Mrs Newton, you will always have a special place in my heart.”

A funeral for Hilary will be held at Canley Crematorium, Canon Hill Road, Coventry, at 2.30pm on Thursday, April 27. All are welcome to attend.

A group of Hilary’s last cohort of boarders who are now at the senior school will be attending Hilary’s funeral, while four of her former colleagues will be pall bearers.

The family asks for no flowers although there will be an opportunity on the day to make a donation to Myton Hospice, in recognition of the care that they gave Hilary in her final days.

Following the service, everyone is welcome to join the family for light refreshments at 15 Littleton Close, Kenilworth, CV8 2WA.

A JustGiving page has also been set up at justgiving.com/fundraising/inlovingmemoryofHilaryNewton.