Hundreds of mourners gathered yesterday at the funeral of teacher Ann Maguire stabbed to death by a pupil in her classroom.

Ms Maguire died after she was attacked during a Spanish lesson at Corpus Christi Catholic College, in Leeds, last month.

Paying tribute, her husband Don said: “Ann loved teaching. A dream as a very young child, an ambition in teenage years, a fulfilling reality for 40 years.

“Being head of fifth form, a great passion, because this is where the full range of her personal qualities and abilities were fully exercised. But, in true humility, she always stressed that she learned so much from others.”

The funeral service at the Catholic Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary began with a procession of gifts brought up to symbolise the much-loved teacher’s life, who was due to retire in September.

White carnations on either side of the coffin spelled out “mummy” and “sister.”

A 15-year-old boy has appeared in court charged with Ms Maguire’s murder. He is remanded in custody and will go on trial later this year.

Donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/ann-maguire