TRIBUTES have been paid to an inspirational Cirencester grandmother and headmistress. 

Muriel Olive Paine, born in 1932, had only had one dream and that was to 'teach to help children', says her son, Charles. 

Ms Paine, who was a grandmother to five, went to teacher training school at 21 in Bristol where she met Anne Malhony, who would become a family friend. 

Muriel was religious at her beloved St Peter’s in Stratton becoming the church warden for 38 years while fundraising for children’s charities Save the Children and the National Children’s home.

She was well-known for being the headmistress for 42 years at Querns School in Cirencester. 

Her son Charles pays tribute: "It is with deepest sadness that we the family announce the passing of Muriel Paine,  a Cirencester legend, headmistress, mum and grandmother to five.

"You're no longer with us and I know you're in a better place but it has broken my heart you were the best mum, wife, granny and person ever.

"You saved me when I was days old and I can never thank you and dad enough for that it is the greatest gift in life for a child like me.

"Mum loved school and always wanted to be a teacher.

"At the age of 20 she got TB and was in Oxford hospital for a year when mum being mum took up archery from a wheelchair!

(Image: UGC) "She only had one dream and that was to teach to help children be their best and boy did she do that in total for 48 years.

"Mum always had time for people ours was an open house, one of mum's best qualities was she never judged always looking for the good in people.

"She was so involved in the Cirencester community, Monday night was art class when anyone could come and learn to draw and paint with live models mum used to persuade to come and sit whilst people drew.

"Tuesday was Church groups, Mum was church warden of her beloved St Peter's Stratton for over 40 years always welcoming newcomers and involving the children in the service with the children’s band. 

"Mum was however best known for teaching. 

"She was to teaching what Pele was to football - it just came naturally to her. 

"Headmistress for 42 years at Querns School she taught three generations of some families and in this time when she taught the final year of pupils no-one failed to get in to their preferred secondary schools something I am so proud of.

"Mummy as you were know to me you were the most selfless, humble, super mum, wife and granny ever - you taught me everything in life. 

"You even helped me in your final days talking about life after you and that you were ready to see her brother Bill and her mum and dad.

"Mum gave me all her wisdom, how to never judge others, to be humble, fight for what's right and to believe in yourself.

"If I can be half the person you were I will be doing fine.

"Thank you for all you did for me. 

"It was a total honour to be your son - the memories will never die or the days grow old I will always have you in my heart forever.

"Mummy I will see you on the next side.

"All friends, colleagues and former parents are welcome we want to give her the best send off."

The dress code is to wear something of colour. 

The cremation is on Thursday, July 11 at Kingsdown Road, Swindon.

There will be a memorial service in early September at the parish church in Cirencester with details to follow.