SCHOOL children lined the streets to pay their respects to an 'inspirational' teacher who died after a battle with cancer.

Lynn Lancaster died on July 6 aged just 55, and tributes have poured in for the Clacton Coastal Academy teacher.

Around 150 children whose lives she had affected turned up to watch the hearse set off ahead of her funeral on Friday.

Daughter Sarah Lancaster, 26, said the day was overwhelming.

“It seems really strange to say, but it was absolutely amazing,” she said.

“To see so many people who cared about mum turn up like that, it was very special and really hard to take in.

“It is an extra comfort to us, and knowing that we have this massive support network of people who loved her really helps us cope with it all.

“It shows that she meant a lot to a lot of people, and it's only when you see everybody come together like this that you realise how many people she affected.

“It is wonderful to see that everyone is still thinking about her, and it lets her memory live on."

“The family would just like to say thank you to everyone for their support.”

Mrs Lancaster, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in September, has been a Clacton resident since 1977.

She leaves behind husband Stewart, and daughters Sarah and Hayley.