STAFF and pupils at a Darlington school are in mourning after a much-loved teacher died last week.

Heartfelt tributes have poured into Haughton Academy following the death of popular design technology teacher Alan Sunter, who had worked at the school for more than 30 years.

Mr Sunter, who died on Wednesday, May 15, following a stroke, was described by the school’s headteacher Rachel Ireland as “an absolute gentleman”.

She said: “Tributes have been pouring into the school from children he taught and their parents and grandparents, a lot of whom he also taught. He made a huge contribution to our community and touched generations.

“He was a very quiet, humble man, but an absolute gentleman in everything he did. He will be missed, not only because of how long he was here but because of the un-sung hero way he went about his business.

“He was dedicated to teaching and we are hearing wonderful stories of him playing on the school’s football, hockey and male netball teams.

"He was hugely involved with the school and as a DT teacher, helped to make props for our annual productions too. He was a real part of this school.”

She also described Mr Sunter as a family man devoted to his three children, Laura, Ruth and Johnny.

A memorial service will be held at the Education Village Academy on Thursday, May 23 to give staff, pupils and friends chance to hear tributes from colleagues and students, including headgirl Lauren Spence.

At a later date, students will also plant a copper beech tree in memory of their teacher.

Ms Ireland said: “They picked a copper beech tree so that it would provide a legacy to last as long as Alan’s and they chose copper beech as the copper ties in with him being a metalwork teacher. The students have been very empathetic in the face of such shocking news.”

The memorial service will be held at the Education Village Academy at 3.10pm. The car park will open to the public at 2pm and refreshments will be served at reception from 2.30pm. To attend, contact Jake Craggs on 01325-254000.