TRIBUTES have been paid to a teacher at a Wearside school who was found dead on railway tracks.
The body of Chris Allan, who taught ICT at St Robert of Newminster School in Washington, was discovered by British Transport Police officers on the line in Chester-le-Street on Monday morning.
Pupils were told by staff yesterday of Mr Allan’s death, and clergy and counsellors are now helping his colleagues and students to come to terms with the news.
A statement released by the school said Mr Allan was a “well-loved and highly respected teacher and colleague” and that the thoughts and prayers of all at St Robert’s are with his family at this time.
A book of condolence will soon be opened at the school in his memory.
Headteacher at St Robert’s, Bill Branney, said today: “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.”
Upset students and former pupils of the school took to the social networking sites to offer their condolences.
Mr Allan was described as a “great bloke” by one Twitter user, while another person said he would be “sorely missed by all at St Robert’s”.
An inquest into Mr Allan’s death will be opened by Durham Coroner’s Office in due course.
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