A SPECIAL service of thanksgiving has taken place in memory of headteacher Helen Mann who was found hanged at her Sytchampton school.

The private church service was held on Tuesday, together with a separate special assembly for youngsters and teachers at Sytchampton Endowed First School.

Mrs Mann was found hanged in her office at the school, off the A449, on Monday, November 5, following a teacher training day. She had taken up her post in the summer.

John Edwards, Worcestershire County Council head of learning and achievement, said: “We have been providing ongoing support to staff, pupils and parents of the school including continued help from a team of four educational psychologists and interim leadership.

“There was an assembly on the morning school reopened and a special assembly on Tuesday at the same time as her memorial service, with donations to the family’s chosen charities, Midlands Air Ambulance and Mind.”

The council is providing the school’s leadership while a permanent replacement for Mrs Mann is found.

An inquest into the death has been opened and adjourned.