A SCHOOL is mourning the death of a much-loved teacher and former pupil after a long illness.

Anthony Knock, 56, was a pupil at Howsham Hall School, near York, in the 1950s and won a scholarship to Ampleforth College.

After attending Trinity and All Saints College, in Leeds, he returned to Howsham Hall in 1969 and remained there for the rest of his life.

For more than 30 years he taught English and also took charge of the school's rugby and cricket.

A school spokesman said: "While battling cancer, he was still coaching a team that won all of its 18 matches.

"He was an inspirational coach as well as being a devoted schoolmaster."

He leaves a widow, Marie, former wife, Lorna, and daughter, Lucy.

A requiem mass will take place at Howsham Hall on Wednesday at 2pm, followed by interment in the churchyard of St John's, Howsham. A memorial service will take place at a date to be announced.