MORE than 600 people took part in a special service in memory of a popular Derby head teacher.

Clare Griffiths died in July, after more than eight years in charge at Parkview Primary School, in Oakwood, and yesterday the school closed for the day so that students and teachers could pay their respects.

Her death from skin cancer coincided with the end of the school year, so Mrs Griffiths' family decided to hold a private funeral service.

But widower Bob Griffiths agreed to the school and city council organising a memorial event. The Springwood Drive school was closed for the day and the service was held at the Riverside Centre, in Pride Park.

The hour-long event was led by the Rev Lindsay Hughes, vicar at Oakwood church and a governor at the school.

She said: "It was impossible to meet Clare without feeling the energy and enthusiasm for her work as a head teacher.

"We were all saddened and shocked to hear about her death but her legacy will live on in the school."

Mrs Griffiths helped to set up Parkview Primary, which opened in 1999. More than 20 former pupils also attended yesterday.

One of them was Matthew Ridley, 19, of Oakwood. He said: "Mrs Griffiths was a very dedicated head teacher and no matter how difficult things were, she was always smiling.

"The city has lost an outstanding head teacher."

Since its opening, the school has performed well, which according to Stephen Baines, chairman of the governing body, was down to Mrs Griffiths' "great leadership".

Some people were moved to tears during the service, which was also attended by Mrs Griffiths' daughters Kate and Anna, but the mood was upbeat and celebratory.

The school's choir sang five times and a series of recorded messages from pupils was played.

Community tributes were also paid by Andrew Flack, city council director of children's services and former school governor Gary Parkin, a chief inspector with Derbyshire police. Personal tributes came from Pauline McManus, a friend for 27 years, and Brian Moore, who introduced Mrs Griffiths to her future husband more than 30 years ago.

Acting head teacher Jane Calladine announced that the Clare Griffiths Award would be set up in the future.

She said: "This is being created by her family and will be an annual award for writing – a subject dear to Clare's heart."

Mr Griffiths told the Evening Telegraph this week that he wanted more people to be aware of the symptoms of skin cancer.

To date, more than £13,000 has been raised for Cancer Research UK in her memory.

Mr Griffiths spoke at the service and said: "I want to thank everyone for this on behalf of my family. Clare would have really enjoyed today".