Tributes have been paid to a Braintree teacher who died in a motorcycle accident

Emma Lucas, 25, died in a collision while on a motorbike lesson on Saturday. She had joined the staff of Beckers Green Primary School, in Beckers Green Road, Braintree, in September.

She was already well-known to staff, as her mother Ellen Lucas was a teacher at the school until July 2001, when she moved to another school in the town.

Judith Harvey, headteacher at the school, today said Miss Lucas would be "greatly missed" by staff and pupils.

She said: "We feel an enormous sense of sadness at her sudden loss, both as a colleague and a friend.

"She was a hard-working and thoughtful teacher who cared greatly for the children in her care.

"She gave freely of her time and energy. The children have often told me how much they liked her and I know they will miss her."

Miss Lucas, of Coles Green, Belchamp St Paul, was riding a Honda 124cc motorbike when she was involved in a collision with a Jeep Cherokee, travelling the opposite way on the A1017, in Baythrone End, at 3.30pm, on Saturday. She was certified dead at the scene.

Published Tuesday, March 12, 2002