A DARWEN headteacher passed her high school on her final journey after a tearful funeral service.

Family, friends and Darwen Vale High School staff and pupils said farewell to Lynn Dunning today.

The teacher lost her 10-year battle with cancer last month.

Mourners were moved to both tears and laughter as the former deputy head of Woodhey High School, Ramsbottom, was celebrated by the three most important aspects of her life: her family, her school and the Soroptimists.

A packed St Peter’s Church, Darwen, heard about the life behind the woman who ‘dared to dream’ and ‘inspire’ and whose lasting legacy will be ‘giving a voice to children who are not heard’.

Mrs Dunning, 55, had been fighting cancer since taking the post at Darwen Vale in 1999.

She died on September 22 in hospital, just days before she was due to be named Lancashire Woman of the year by the Soroptimists.

Brother Paul Flude told mourners: “Lynn would travel around the world to support people to make the most of their lives.

"She encouraged me and developed me in the most enlightening way. She dared to dream.

“As a lasting memory to Lynn, I would ask you to pass this on to others – create your reality from a number of dreams with the imagination.”

John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ followed his tribute.

Darwen Vale choir sang ‘All Things Bright and Beautiful’ while one student was given a standing ovation by Lynn’s family after he played Ronan Keating’s hit ‘You Say it Best When You Say Nothing At All’ on the trumpet.

The Rev Andrew Holliday, who led the service, said: “The music was specially chosen to reflect her passion for life.”

Deputy headteacher Colette Roberts said: “We weep because we love this woman’s perseverance through the pain to do the best for the pupils, staff and governors.”