AN INQUEST has opened into the death of a popular teacher.
Christopher Allan taught ICT at St Robert’s of Newminster in Washington.
The 39-year-old from Birtley was found dead on the railway line at Chester-le-Street on Monday morning by British Transport Police, who were called to the scene.
A coroner has opened and adjourned an inquest into his death during a short hearing in Crook.
A further hearing will take place once reports are complete.
Pupils at the school have been comforted by staff, clergy and counsellors in the aftermath of the tragedy, with tributes paid to Mr Allan via social networking sites.
The school’s headteacher, Bill Branney, has said: “Chris was a committed member of staff who loved ICT and he had a good repartee with his colleagues with whom he shared a great sense of fun.
“The school community will miss him very much.”