FOR almost 25 years, nearly all visitors to Yeoford School were greeted by the school secretary, Jane Yarnold, who soothed nervous first-time pupils and endeared herself to everyone.

Jane died on July 16, aged 55. A Funeral Mass was held for her at St Boniface Roman Catholic Church, Crediton, on July 23, a day marked by showers and sunshine.

The packed church included many parents of former pupils and past members of staff. People had travelled some distance to be there, including Nick Yarnold's identical twin brother, Chris.

Jane and Nick had been married for more than 34 years and had been High School sweethearts. They married in June 1975 at The Friary, Olton, West Midlands, and came to live in Yeoford. Jane was born in Birmingham in April, 1954.

Chris, who now lives in Florida, USA, said they had a unique family closeness. He added that Jane had enjoyed watching Wimbledon on television, and Aston Villa footballers, among other sports.

He said Jane was "lovely, kind, understanding, dignified, greeting everyone at the school with a smile and had a great sense of humour." Jane, he said, enriched the lives of everyone who met her.

Miss Jane Edwards, headteacher at Yeoford School, had written a eulogy, which was read by Mark Fuller, chairman of the school governors because Miss Edwards was ill.

She had said that Jane was a "first class administrator, organised and efficient and very good at training a new headteacher".

She added: "Jane was kindness, warmth and professionalism. She inspired us all to do our best, she was at the heart of the school."

It was particularly apt that Jane's funeral was on the day that new classrooms were craned into place at the school opposite her Yeoford home from which Jane had seen the project begin and about which she must have written many letters.

A collection at the Mass was for Cancer Research UK and FORCE, a local cancer charity. Donations may still be made in Jane's memory via A White and Sons, Albert Road, Crediton.

The Funeral Mass was celebrated by Fr Paul Cummins with readings by Lucy Yarnold, accompanied by Gail Underhill, and Bernadette Yarnold, Clare Faulkner, Fiona Bruce and Karen Roberts. .

With her husband Nick, Jane leaves a daughter Lucy. She is survived also by her mother Jeanne O'Donahue and sisters Paula Faulkner and Nicola Mason.