THE former school workmates of murdered learning support worker Maria Stewart have paid tribute to their much-loved colleague.

The 30-year-old mum-of-two had been working at Holmfirth High School with disabled children prior to her death.

Staff spoke at the time of her death of their shock and a permanent memorial has since been placed at the school.

Acting head teacher Gail Howe said: “A permanent stone memorial has been placed in the main entrance alongside a shrub.

“Her family attended a private service when it was laid in school grounds.”

The memorial stone reads: ‘Death brings a heartache that no one can ever heal,

But you can give us memories that no one can ever steal

Forever in our hearts’

Executive head Dr Andy Williams said: “Marie was extremely committed to her work in school and was a committed and caring person who will understandably be missed by those with whom she worked.”

Former colleagues Miriam Thomas, a special needs educational supervisor, and teaching assistant Dawn Bowers praised Marie.

Ms Thomas said:“Marie was a very pleasant person who was professional and good at her job. I knew she was going to fit in well with the team.”

Ms Bowers said: “She was very conscientious. She loved her job. She was very good at it. It was very demanding, physically and mentally.”