Meningitis has claimed the life of popular primary school teacher Helene Williamson .

Mrs Williamson, 43, of Yeovil, was a key stage I teacher at Brookside Community Primary School, Street. She died on Christmas Eve, more than two weeks after being taken ill.

Her head teacher, Claire Axten said: ""We are deeply saddened to hear that one of our teachers, Helene Williamson, has passed away. Helene was a most remarkable teacher and a wonderful person. She will be sorely missed by the children, staff, parents and governors at Brookside. Our condolences go out to Helene's husband and family."

Mrs Williamson had taught at Brookside for several years, arriving as a newly-qualified teacher after a career change.

Her funeral service will take place at St James' Church, Yeovil, on January 8 and the school will be closed as a mark of respect, allowing staff to attend the service.

Mrs Axten said: "We apologise for any inconvenience to parents, but are sure that they will understand in the circumstances."

When Mrs Williamson was first diagnosed, parents and guardians of pupils were sent letters informing them that she was suffering from suspected meningococcal disease but explaining that while close contacts might have a slightly increased risk of contracting the illness, children at the school were not at an increased risk.

The Dorset and Somerset Health Protection Unit identified close contacts and offered them antibiotic prophylaxis. While stressing that the chances of another case were small, it stressed that early diagnosis and treatment is very important in tackling the disease and alerted parents and guardians to the signs and symptoms.

Following Mrs Williamson's death, a spokesman for the unit said: "Public health doctors would like to reassure parents whose children attend the school that this has been an isolated case and there is no risk to the health of their children.

"We would however, advise anyone at this time of year to be mindful of the signs and symptoms of meningitis, which can sometimes initially appear like symptoms of cold or flu.

" If anyone is concerned that they or a family member could be showing symptoms of meningitis, they should contact their family doctor immediately, describe their symptoms and ask for their doctor's advice."

Signs can appear in any order or combination. Anyone who is worried about possible symptoms should contact their doctor. Meningitis vaccination only protects against one strain of the disease.

Further information may be obtained from NHS Direct on 0845 4647, the Meningitis Research Foundation on 080 8800 3344, www.meningitis.org or alternatively from the National Meningitis Trust on 0845 6000 800.