HELEN Deeprose, who provided pastoral care for hundreds of pupils at Poole High School, died at Poole Hospital on May 30, aged 56.

She worked at the school for more than a decade counselling students with problems ranging from special needs to personal troubles.

Thanks to her warm, caring approach, she was able to have a major impact in the lives of the children who came to her for help, giving them hope for the future.

Headteacher Fran Heafield paid tribute to a "remarkable" woman, saying: "I think every single student and staff member admired, respected and indeed loved her. They knew she was always there to support them."

Mrs Deeprose, née Neville, was born in Parkstone and grew up in Melbury Avenue, attending Kemp-Welch School.

After leaving school she worked at the Winter Gardens Hotel for a short time before meeting Phil on a night out in Bournemouth in 1978.

Mr Deeprose was serving in the Army at the time, and due to be posted to Germany, but the pair hit it off so well they decided to get married just six weeks later.

They lived in Germany for eight years, and she gave birth to two sons, Alexander and Joseph. On their return to the UK they lived at Bovington Camp for several years, before moving back into Poole in 1991.

A deeply caring person, Mrs Deeprose had devoted her time to her family and raising her children, although she had put much effort into helping out at her children's schools in Germany.

Once back in Dorset she began to use her skills to help others professionally, starting work as a psychogeriatric nurse and aiding in the treatment of pensioners with mental health issues.

After this she joined Poole High School, where as well as contributing to the students' pastoral care, she started the animal club, allowing children to bond with and learn about a wide range of species.

Mrs Deeprose enjoyed music and films, loved the Dorset countryside and travelling to Greece with her family.

She was a keen animal lover and did much to support charities, particularly the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.

Until illness made it difficult for her to continue, she enjoyed horse riding at Longham.

A funeral service will be held at St Peter's Church in Ashley Cross on Tuesday next week, at 12.30pm.