School headteacher and ex-Olympic swimmer Helen Smart dies, aged 43

A primary school has announced the sudden death of its headteacher, with tributes flooding in for 'a wonderful teacher and a beautiful soul'.

It's understood Helen Smart, head of Worsley Mesnes Community Primary School on Clifton Street, Wigan, was 43.

The school posted a statement on its Facebook page on Monday. From Alison Halliwell, chair of governors, it said: "It is with great sadness and regret that I have to announce the sudden death of our beloved headteacher, Mrs Helen Smart. Our heart-felt condolences are sent to Helen’s family at this very difficult time.

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"I know this news will be a shock and cause great sadness to our community. I want to reassure you that the governors of Worsley Mesnes School are working with the local authority and school to ensure that our children, staff and parents will receive the necessary support in the coming weeks.

"Further information/updates will be issued as and when they are available."

A respected swimmer, Mrs Smart - nee Don-Duncan - competed for Team GB at the Sydney 2000 Olympics and won a number of other medals in the sport. She was also a playing member of Pemberton Old Wigan DW Band.

The school's post attracted a string of comments, with tributes being paid to a 'lovely lady' and 'one of the loveliest teachers.

Her husband, Craig Smart, also posted on the thread, saying: "She loved the school, staff, children and parents so much. She was so proud to reach her goal of being headteacher. She used to say to me all the time she could never see herself at another school. She was Worsley Mesnes through and through!

"I remember only last week she said her goal was to get the