SCHOOL pupils stood to applaud a “once in a lifetime” teacher during a memorial service yesterday.

Youngsters at Lytchett Minster School paid tribute to maths teacher Christine Peggrem, who died aged 52 in November just weeks after being diagnosed with bowel cancer.

Three memorial events were held yesterday to allow all students and staff to attend.

Headteacher Andrew Mead said Ms Peggrem, who married her long-term partner Clifford Frisby after her diagnosis, was an “exceptional lady who has touched our lives in so many ways”.

“She inspired, she entertained, she counselled and she made people feel valued and precious,” Mr Mead said.

“It’s right to grieve and be sad that the school and community have lost such an amazing personality, but I’m sure if she were here today, she would tell us all to cheer up, be positive and move on with our lives, remembering her fondly but not wallowing in sadness and despair.”

He urged students to chase their dreams, telling them: “Life is too precious to spend idling around”.

“Be a positive force for good in the world,” Mr Mead added.

“That would make Ms Peggrem very proud.”

Teacher Jo Casson said “kind” Ms Peggrem was an “amazing teacher who helped students achieve their goals”.

“In the classroom, she was a real force to be reckoned with,” Ms Casson said.

“She inspired me and many others to do better,

“She will never be forgotten.”

Students in Ms Peggrem’s tutor group and year 10 students gave personal accounts of their experiences with her.

One said: “You were a once in a lifetime teacher.” Another said Ms Peggrem was “loving and caring”.

Head boy Luke Scriven gave a reading of Henry Scott Holland poem Death Is Nothing At All before tributes from social media were screened.

Among the messages remembering a “bubbly” and “irreplaceable” teacher with an “amazing, soulful, incredible character” was a tribute which read: “She always lived her life to the full; never missed an opportunity to laugh and never took life for granted.”

At the conclusion of the service, Mr Mead urged students to stand and applaud Ms Peggrem.

Mr Frisby, who first met Ms Peggrem in 1984, attended the third of the day’s services.

He said: “It was extremely moving - beyond my expectations.

“I knew she was very popular but this outpouring of love and affection is quite overwhelming.”

Ms Peggrem previously taught at schools in London and Surrey.

She joined Lytchett Minster School in 2007 and taught maths to students of all abilities from year seven to year 13.

She gained a reputation as a brilliant classroom practitioner and became a trainer of other young and developing maths teachers.

Mr Frisby said: “There are adults as well as children who have benefitted from being taught by her.”

The funeral of Christine Frisby, nee Peggrem, will be held today, December 1, at St Mary the Virgin church in West Moors.