HEADTEACHER Diane Chapman, described as “an incredible person who was an inspiration to us all”, has died after losing her battle against cancer, aged 61.

Mrs Chapman, who was in charge at Pennington Infant School in the New Forest for 23 years, retired last year after her illness was diagnosed.

The married mother-of-two, born in Bournemouth and raised in Southbourne, began her teaching career at Hordle Primary School in 1975 before moving to St Michael and All Angels in Lyndhurst, where she was deputy headteacher.

She then became one of the youngest headteachers in the county, taking charge at Langdown Infant School in Hythe.

Mrs Chapman was appointed head at Pennington Infant School two years later and also went on to become chairman of the Solent area group of the National Association of Head Teachers.

A particular passion of hers was music, and she continued to teach this throughout her career.

Widely respected by colleagues, she was chairman of the Solent area group of the National Association of Headteachers.

Former colleagues described her as a forward-thinking teacher who was always ready to embrace new ideas.

Paul Street, head at neighbouring Pennington Junior School, said: “She had a passion for education and organised meetings to bring schools together for the benefit of all children in the Lymington and wider New Forest area.”

John Crisp, former headteacher at New Milton Junior School, said Mrs Chapman always put others first.

He added: “She had a big heart and would go out of her way to ensure that friends and colleagues were supported through darker times.”

Parents of children who benefitted from Mrs Chapman's skill and expertise also paid tribute.

Wendy Gander said: “She taught both my children and my grandchildren. She was a lovely lady and a wonderful teacher.”

Jane Stanley, writing on a social networking site, added: “She was a brave and incredible person. An inspiration to us all.”

In 1988 Mrs Chapman married Gary, whom she met through friends in Bournemouth some years before, and the pair lived in New Milton. She had two children, Lauren 25, and Oli, 17.

A celebration of her life was held at Hinton Woodland Burial Ground near New Milton on Thursday.