Readers who were schoolgirls in the 1970s are invited to say farewell to an old headteacher who passed away at the age of 83.

Miss Eileen Cruttenden - affectionately known as ‘Crutt’ - was born in January 1927 in Bethnal Green and she started her teaching career in the Geography department at the East Ham Grammar School for Girls in 1948 where she progressed to Deputy Head.

She eventually became Headteacher at the newly formed Plashet Comprehensive School in 1972, retiring from the post in 1983 after 30 years of service.

Susan Foulsham, who was both a student and a member of staff at the schools, said: “She was a wonderful mentor, colleague and Headteacher to me personally, and enriched the lives of everyone who had the privilege of meeting her.

“A tower of strength and above all one of life’s ‘greats’ who will be very sadly missed. The world is a lesser place without her.

“The EHGS/Plashet community became her ‘family’ as she had very few family of her own. It would therefore be wonderful if we, her school ‘family’, could turn out in force for her funeral to thank her for all that she did for us.”

The funeral will be held on Friday 5th April at 12.30pm at St. Marys Church, St Mary’s Road, Ealing, London, W5 5RH.