WARM tributes have been paid to a 'kind and thoughtful' teacher and former owner of a wool shop in Cirencester.

Debra Richardson, who used to own the Three Sheep Wools in The Woolmarket, has died aged 57.

She grew up in America and taught at schools across the world including one in Wootton Bassett.

In 2012 the budding entrepreneur opted for a career and lifestyle change and decided to move to Cirencester from North Dakota and set up a wool shop.

During this time she built up a loyal customer base and was well-liked across town.

Her family said she loved meeting new people and working with her customers and suppliers, such as the local alpaca owner who helped her develop her ever expanding range of wool. 

The budding business was forced to shut in 2015 due to immigration law changes.

Debra, who was on a three-year work visa, was heartbroken when the Home Office told her that her visa could only be renewed if she created a full-time position for a member of staff who had been in place for two years.

Cotswold MP Geoffrey Clifton-Brown's office contacted the Home Office at the time but staff could only suggest she hire eight people full-time for the next three months, which would be too much for her small shop, so she moved back to the US and returned to teaching.

In July she visited England to catch up with some friends and was planning to retire and move back to the Cotswolds in a couple of years.

She sadly passed away the following month.

Debra often spoke about her love for Cirencester with family and friends in the US, who contacted the Standard as they wanted to let people in the community know what had happened.

Her close friend Damian Bass said: "Deb was drawn to Cirencester because of its wool history.

"She had always been interested in knitting, sharing her knowledge, skill and enjoyment of it with others of all ages - it was part of who she was.

"She will be remembered for her being a kind and thoughtful person, who had a great lust for life, found great fun in everything and was more than glass half full."