FORMER first school head teacher and centenarian, Norah Hill, has died at the age of 108.

Born in Witchampton in Wimborne to parents, Minnie and Sidney Joy, Norah Mary Hill was the fifth of six siblings, which also included Reginald, Muriel, Bessie, Kathleen and Minne, all of which had died before her.

Norah went on to marry her childhood sweetheart, Horace Hill, in 1940, and enjoyed over 50 years of marriage together before his death in 1991.

She went to school in the area and later worked at Witchampton Church of England First School for over 40 years, including serving as the head teacher.

In her spare time, Norah also enjoyed playing the organ for the congregation at services and various events held at the parish church and chatting to her close friend, Josephine West, who had also taught at the school.

To celebrate her special centenary birthday on April 16, Norah was joined by Cllr Barbara Manuel from East Dorset District Council for a special visit. She also enjoyed a party attended by various friends and loved ones from the village at the Witchampton Club.

Daily Echo attended Norah's 103 birthday, where a special peal of the church's bells was organised by six bell ringers to mark the occasion.

bell ringer Michael Rose, said: "Everyone loves visiting Norah. She’s full of stories about the place, and even taught some of the residents who are in their 80s and 90s now."

Staff and pupils from Witchampton Church of England First School went to visit Norah in her home to ensure that she enjoyed her 108 birthday earlier this year.

On the school's Facebook page, a message had been posted in April to say: "We would all like to pass on our sincerest wishes to Mrs Hill, who still lives in the village, very close to the school she was Head of for many years.

"Mrs Hill celebrated her 108th year today. Amongst her many visitors were several children from our school who made cards, gave gifts and sang 'Happy Birthday'. They were all really impressed to see her birthday card from Her Majesty the Queen."

Norah died on September 21 and a service of thanksgiving was held at Witchampton Parish Church on Tuesday, October 4 followed by a burial in the churchyard, with donations going to the RSPCA.