Parents have been paying tribute to headteacher Ally Mullany, who was killed in a crash with a fire engine yesterday on the B3075 yesterday.

A stream of visitors have been arriving at St Joseph's Catholic Combined School in Parkstone, where Mrs Mullany worked, to lay flowers.

Gary Stout whose daughter is in year 2 said: “She was amazing. I think she was a beacon.

“One of a kind really. For me she was a different class of teacher- very warm. It's such a shock.”

Kata Kalbarcy, whose son Szymon started at the school in September said: "We heard the news yesterday and it's really shocked us. And there are two children still in hospital- it's so sad.

"We told our son yesterday and he asked where she'd gone- we told him she'd gone to heaven."

Childminder Eve Slater, who has been bringing her young charge to the school for two years, said: "I can still see her standing by the gate as we walked up the road- she greeted us by name. She was just a brilliant woman. I just can't believe it."

Bournemouth Echo:

A tearful parent and dinner lady who preferred not to be named said: "she was just wonderful, absolutely wonderful. She turned the school around.

"The children all loved her- and she knew every child by name and even their siblings who didn't go to the school. There was always a smile and a good morning for every child as they walked through the gate.

"She was absolutely fantastic - you could speak to her about anything."

Chairman of Governors, Hugh Fogarty, speaking outside St Joseph's Catholic Combined School at lunchtime today

Charly Pepper laid flowers with her five year old son Alex. She said: "she was amazing. She was here every morning with her bright pink hair- she was so funky and lively.

"I don't think it's quite sunk in. It's difficult telling all the children. They don't really understand. I couldn't stop cuddling him and telling him I love him- it can just be taken away so quickly.

She was lovely and you did feel like she knew everyone. I just feel for her family and husband."

A mum with two young girls tied a special garland made by the children with drawings and messages for their headmistress. One read 'I loved you and I will love you forever." Another: "best headmistress in the world."

Their mum- who preferred not to give her name- said: " she was one in million. The children are going to be absolutely lost without her. We're devastated."