MIDDLEWICH High School headteacher Keith Simpson has spoken of his shock at hearing the ‘terrible’ news of the death of popular teaching assistant Joanne Brown.

Joanne, 47, from Knutsford, died on Friday after being found collapsed in a wooded area at Alderley Edge at lunchtime by a member of the public.

Police received reports of concern for Joanne’s safety on Thursday evening, and carried out a search of the area.

Joanne was a teaching assistant at Middlewich High School, where she had worked for more than eight years.

Mr Simpson said: “It is with great sadness that we have to report the death of our much-loved staff member Jo Brown.

“Our deeply sincere and heartfelt condolences go out to her family and close friends at this terribly sad and difficult time.

“The whole school – pupils, staff, governors and parents – are shocked by the death of a popular and highly-regarded teaching assistant, who has worked with dedication at the school for over eight years.

“The school, its local community and Cheshire East Council are offering support to anyone affected by this tragic event.

“Her [Joanne’s] family and friends are all very much in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.”

Mr Simpson added on the school’s website: “Assemblies have been held this morning [Monday] for all pupils and staff, and we will support all in managing this terrible news for our school community.

“I am always proud of how much our school community genuinely supports one another at difficult times, and I am sure that we will do this again now.

“Trained school staff will be available to support any parents or families who are affected by this news.”

The school were alerted to the news of Joanne’s death on Friday following liaison with her family and police.

A Cheshire Police spokesman said: “At 8.30pm on Thursday, December 7 officers received reports of concern for the safety of a 47-year-old woman from Knutsford, and carried out a search of the area.

“Following a report made shortly after 12pm on Friday, December 8, an ambulance attended at Macclesfield Road in Alderley Edge to a collapsed woman who had been found by a member of public.

“Sadly, the woman passed away, and next of kin have been informed. There are no suspicious circumstances, and a file will be prepared for the coroner.”