Tributes have been paid to an “incredible lady” and much-loved member of a school community.

Cris Winter died on July 14 at the age of 67 following a short illness with cancer.

The mum of two was a school administrator at Western Road Community Primary School in Lewes for 35 years and helped more than 1,000 children and their families settle in.

Headteacher Irena Wooler described Cris’s caring nature and the lengths she went to to ensure children were properly supported.

“She always had spare uniform in one of her many cupboards, along with plimsolls, water bottles and numerous things just in case,” she said.

“Cris kept a box of toys, teddies and books in her office and we often saw children with her, having a quiet chat and much-needed tender loving care whilst playing with lions and tigers to help settle any nerves.

“She was always on hand with plasters and ice packs, finding that a glass of special water (cold, from the water cooler) was often the best medicine and the fixer of most ailments.”

Mrs Wooler said Cris always looked forward to charity and dressing-up days, most notably dressing as Mary Poppins for World Book Day. She ran a lunchtime book club, reading to younger children in the library and enthralling them with different voices.

Until quite recently, she was an active member of Friends of Western Road, helping to raise much-needed funds to support the school, including helping at the Artist and Makers Fair in Lewes Town Hall each December.

Cris ensured all Year 6 children had their best start each morning during SATS week, with a slap-up breakfast that she would personally source and oversee.

She would top this off by organising the Year 6 barbecue to celebrate the end of assessment week, ensuring everyone ate enough sausages and ice-cream to mark the occasion.

“Not one to sit still”, Cris would often then accompany the Year 6 class on their residential trips to adventure holiday provider PGL and Bowles.

“Cris was an incredible lady,” said Mrs Wooler.

“She had so many stories to tell, of her travels, her work, families she knew, the school history and her beloved grandchildren, Dylan and Izzy. Cris listened to everyone, helping them and supporting them immeasurably.

“She was always there, with tissues or tea or chocolate or whatever was needed at that moment.

“Cris will be sorely missed by everyone at Western Road.”

Cris's family has welcomed everyone from the Western Road community, past and present, and anyone who would like to pay their respects to attend her funeral which will be held at St Anne's Church, Lewes, at 3pm on Tuesday, August 8.

A cremation at Woodvale in Brighton will follow, before the wake which will be held at the Con Club, Lewes, afterwards. Cris's family have asked for family flowers only on the day.

A fundraiser for Cancer Research UK has been set up in memory of Cris which people can donate to at criswinter.muchloved.com/