TRIBUTES have been paid to New Forest woman with an “unrelenting passion” for the village school where she was one of the governors.

Amanda Tanner, who has died aged 59, was a highly respected member of the team at Milford on Sea Primary School, which has created an annual award in her memory.

Mrs Tanner, who had been suffering from cancer, was also a keen sailor and a fundraiser for Oakhaven Hospice in Lymington.

In a statement the school’s head teacher, Kate Crawford, said: “Amanda had been a governor at the school since 2015, having been the clerk to the governing body for a number of years before that.

“Not only did she have invaluable procedural and operational knowledge, which greatly assisted the governing body, she had an unrelenting passion for, and commitment to, the school.

“This was always evident in her constant pursuit to ensure the very best educational provision for each and every child at the school.”

Miss Crawford said Mrs Tanner was a champion of the school’s We CARE motto, which stands for Courage, Aspire, Respect, Explore.

“She embodied the spirit of exploration through her many sailing adventures around the world. She always aspired to do her best for the school, was unwaveringly respectful of others’ opinions and showed immeasurable courage, not least in the final challenge which she faced head on.”

Staff have decided to honour Mrs Tanner’s contribution to the school by creating an annual award in her memory.

Miss Crawford said: “The award is known as ‘The Amanda Tanner We CARE Award’ and takes the form of a brass sailing boat as a nod to her favourite pastime.

“It will be awarded at the end of each academic year to one pupil who has, in the opinion of the staff, best demonstrated our We CARE values, which Amanda held so dear.”

Heart-shaped tributes have been attached to branches in an area of woodland near her home in the village.

Writing on Facebook one local said: “A lovely tribute to a lovely lady.”

Another social media user added: "To call her vibrant and kind would be an understatement. She was all that and more."