A much-loved teacher who spent 25 years at the same village junior school has been described as an inspiration to waves of youngsters following her death.

Jenny Turner worked at Herne Church of England Junior School for the majority of her career and specialised in teaching music.

She died aged 83 at St Barnabas Hospice in Worthing, West Sussex on July 9.

Her son Neil says his mother was an inspiration to many youngsters during her career in the classroom.

"My mum inspired children through music and teaching,” said Neil.

“She gave us every opportunity to be whoever and whatever we wanted to be and she delivered that freedom with laughter, optimism and a passion to ‘seize every day’.

“We couldn't have asked for more from our mum and she will be missed.

“We have been touched and overwhelmed by the heartfelt response from friends, former pupils and former colleagues who had the opportunity to spend time with her."

She married Mike Turner in Herne Bay in October 1970 and for many years the couple lived at Western Esplanade on the town’s seafront.

Jenny and Mike moved to Shoreham-by-Sea three years ago to be nearer their family.

Jenny was a member of both the Whitstable and Canterbury Choral Societies and had also performed with the Shoreham Choral Society Oratorio Choir.

Mike, whose parents owned the Yorkshire Bakery in Herne Bay High Street, operated the 40ft ketch Wildlife, taking passengers under sail on seal-watching trips in the Thames Estuary between 1990 and 2010.

Jenny is survived by Mike, aged 84, daughters Ruth and Helen and son Neil, and grandchildren Hannah and Luca.

The funeral will take place at The Tribe in Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex on Wednesday, August 7 at 11am.