MEMORIES of a talented and inspiring teacher who was killed while out jogging brought tears and laughter to a special service to give thanks for her life.

Students, teachers, friends and family gathered for a service of thanksgiving in St Edmundsbury Cathedral last night to pay tribute to King Edward VI teacher Katie Colson.

Miss Colson, 28, was killed while out jogging near her home near Littleport last month, just days before the start of the new school term.

Geoff Barton, headteacher at the school in Bury St Edmunds, said the service was a chance for students to remember Miss Colson and give thanks for the time they had spent with her.

“For the past few weeks we were too caught up in her dreadful death to think about her wonderful life,” he said. “Her brilliant wackiness, her spirit.

“We realise how much she meant to us and wish so very much we had told her so.

“We were so lucky, so privileged, so blessed to be part of the life of Katie Colson.”

A science teacher at the school, Miss Colson had been promoted to division leader due to her love of working with young people.

A former St Louis Middle School and St Benedict’s Catholic School pupil in the town, Miss Colson was well-known among students for her sense of fun.

Will Hedley, head boy at the school, said “Miss Colson wasn’t happy unless her students were happy.

“She wasn’t just a great teacher, she was truly remarkable.”

Alice Laidler, a former student of Miss Colson’s, performed a piece of dance in the cathedral nave, watched by students and colleagues past and present who had filled the service to remember the vibrant teacher who had touched so many lives.

Zo� Johnston, a member of the King Edward VI Equestrian Team Miss Colson had formed and led, paid tribute to her former teacher’s encouragement and support.

The school choir Ex Silentio performed a vocal arrangement of Seal’s Kiss From a Rose while Lydia Lockyer, a Year 11 student at the school, sang Fields of Gold.

Prayers and thanks were said for the vibrant teacher, who was described as talented, inspiring and special.

A video presentation reflecting Miss Colson’s life was played in the cathedral before prayers of thanks were said for the friendship, integrity and friendship she had brought into others’ lives.