A TEACHER at a Teignbridge secondary school has died from car crash injuries just weeks before her retirement.

Tributes have been paid to Julia Barker, 60, who had worked at Ashburton's South Dartmoor Community College for 24 years.

Mrs Barker suffered serious head injuries when her Daewoo Matiz was involved in an accident in Dawlish on June 4.

She was rushed to the intensive care unit at Plymouth's Derriford Hopsital, where she died on Friday night after her condition deteriorated.

Students at South Dartmoor were informed of the popular teacher's death during assemblies today (Monday).

Principal Hugh Bellamy said: 'Julia has worked at the college for over 24 years, initially joining in 1990 as an English teacher. More recently students will have known her as head of careers, teacher of religious studies and sixth form tutor.

'Julia was a much loved and valued member of our community who was retiring at the end of this term. Julia has made a massive contribution to the young people in our community and we are feeling devastated by her loss.'

Mrs Barker was waiting in her vehicle behind a car waiting to turn right into the Smuggler's Inn when a collision occured.

She leaves a husband, Peter, and a son. An inquest into her death is likely to be held later in the year.