A POPULAR teacher from Clacton has died after a battle with cancer.

Julie Maldon was diagnosed with breast cancer nine years ago and died last week aged 51.

She worked as a maths teacher at Clacton County High School for 17 years and was well known by parents and students, past and present.

Close friend and fellow County High teacher Tracey Dartnell said: “I only knew Julie with cancer but she never let it restrict her thirst for life.

“She was lovely and unique, with a wicked sense of humour. Whenever anyone was feeling down Julie could make them smile.

"People talk about losing a battle to cancer, but I think Julie won her battle. She kept going right up to the point that she was ready to go.”

Julie was able to see the birth of her two grandchildren, attend her daughter’s wedding and celebrate her 50th birthday.

Tracey added: “Julie will be so dearly missed by all of her friends and family.

“She touched so many lives and was an inspiration to many. She is the sort of person you aspire to be like and her memory will live on.”

Julie taught thousands of students at County High, before taking on a role at the school mentoring pupils for their GCSE and A-level maths exams.