Chris Holdsworth, who was head at East Whitby for eight years, died on Sunday after a brave battle with cancer.

She left instructions that no-one should wear black at the funeral, which she wanted to be a celebration of her life.

Her family, friends and colleagues have paid tribute to the woman they knew as an extrovert and who they described as "bubbly" and "feisty".

Chris, of Sandsend, thought she was recovering from oesophageal cancer and planned to return to her job in September. But several weeks ago she was diagnosed with a secondary cancer in her liver which was inoperable.

She passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning at Whitby Hospital with her family at her bedside.

Her husband David (58), who she met 10 years ago and married in 2004, said: "All the way through her illness Chris tried to remain positive and stay strong for her family.

"The school was her life, she absolutely loved teaching. She was also an extrovert who loved life.

"She was bubbly with a great sense of humour, but was very proud and could be feisty at times."

Chris, whose surname was Milone before her marriage, also leaves behind her daughter, Sofia Milone (28), brother James Matheson (50) and sister Helen Matheson (46).

She was originally from West Yorkshire, but used to holiday in Sandsend and Whitby as a youngster and was delighted when the opportunity came up to work in the area.

Away from work, Chris was an accomplished horse woman and her proudest moment came in December last year when her 28-year-old horse Mercy Me came third in the Veteran Blue Chip Showing Championship at London's Olympia.

Chris loved her home, her garden, her three dogs and spending time with her large circle of friends.

She also liked to travel and enjoyed going to antique auctions.

But, most importantly, she was extremely proud of her daughter, Sofia, who fronts Manchester-based band Geekgirl.

The family wished to express their gratitude for all the support given to them by Whitby Hospital, James Cook University Hospital, Macmillan Nurses and all their friends.

Chris' funeral will be held at St Mary's Church, next to the Abbey, at 12.45pm on Tuesday.

Her brother James said: "She basically planned her own funeral and said she didn't want anybody to wear black. She wanted people to be happy and celebrate her life."

East Whitby School will close at 11.30am on Tuesday to allow people to attend the service.

Deputy headteacher Tony Mok told the Gazette: "Although Chris was the headteacher here, she was a very down to earth person who people could relate to.

"She loved being at school, especially the time she spent with the children. It was obvious how much they loved her and how much she cared for them."

Any donations will go to Macmillan Nurses, via the Graeme Buckle Funeral Service, which can be contacted on (01947) 825586.

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