A RETIRED headteacher who was the “heart” of her Kidderminster school has died.

Janet Wheeldon, who was head at Offmore Primary School for 13 years, died in hospital on February 17 following a short illness. She was 62.

Mrs Wheeldon joined the Offmore First School, which became a primary following the Wyre Forest education shake-up in 2007, as headteacher in 1997 before retiring in 2010, months before the school was rebuilt to cater for greater pupil numbers.

A statement issued by the school said: “Mrs Wheeldon was dedicated to her role as head - teacher and the welfare of those in her care. She went out of her way to know every child and showed them on a daily basis that they were important.

“Her overriding wish was that the children in her school felt happy and safe at Offmore and were encouraged to do their best and achieve their goals.

“She retired in July, 2010 but always continued to take an interest in the school and its former pupils.”

The statement added: “From 1997 to 2010 she was the heart of Offmore and will be forever remembered in this way.”

Mrs Wheeldon’s funeral will be held at St George’s Church, Kidderminster tomorrow at 1.45pm.