A former teacher whose earliest memory is a Zeppelin bomber flying over Wisbech during the First World War has died at the age of 101.

Cambs Times: Hilda Cattell with her youngest great, great nephew.Hilda Cattell with her youngest great, great nephew. (Image: Archant)

Mother of two Hilda Cattell was born in Ramnoth Road, Wisbech, three months before the outbreak of the war.

Hilda qualified as a teacher at Homerton College, Cambridge, and began her career in 1936 at Wiggenhall St Germans Primary School, commuting by bus and bike from Wisbech daily.

She also taught at St Peter’s Junior School in Wisbech for more than 30 years before retiring in 1975. During this time she inspired thousands of students, including the late actor Anton Rogers.

In 1939, she married Roy Cattell, who was working for English Brothers and played for Wisbech Town FC.

She and Roy had two boys Robert and Paul, who still lives in the family home.

Mrs Cattell was a keen tennis player and didn’t hang up her racquet until she was 80. She played bowls at the Hudson Sports Centre until she was 85.

For almost 50 years she was a staunch member of Wisbech Inner Wheel where she made many close friends.

She died peacefully at the home she had lived in for 76 years at Second Avenue, Mount Drive. She is survived by her two sons.