A QUIET area has been set up at a Vale of Evesham in loving memory of a dinner lady.

It was dedicated yesterday at Badsey First School to mother of two Helen Welch, who died on Boxing Day after ten days in hospital battling against a brain haemorrhage.

Head teacher, Elizabeth Spencer said: "The pupils and staff here at Badsey very much wanted to have a little quiet area in the school grounds in memory of Helen. She was a much loved dinner lady. We have an hexagonal seat around a silver birch tree."

Mrs Welch left two daughters, Naomi aged 14, and Emily aged eight.

Their grandmother, Penny White who lives in Badsey, said: "Our family is completely devastated by Helen's death. In fact it has affected more people than I would ever have imagined."

Mrs White explained that her 39-year-old daughter was first taken ill shortly after she started working at Evesham High School as a teaching assistant.

She started to recover but was then taken ill again about ten days before Christmas.

It was on Christmas Day, she said, the family got the call that Mrs Welch's condition had worsened.

Since their mother's death Emily has chosen to live in Ireland with her aunt and Naomi is living in Badsey with her stepfather.

Yesterday the new quiet area at Badsey First School was dedicated by Helen's uncle, Rev David Vince, with Badsey vicar, the Rev Richard Court in attendance.

7 Helen Welch who is remembered after her death on Boxing Day.