COLLEGE staff have raised £15,000 for cancer research as a tribute to their deputy vice-principal who died earlier this year.

Peter David Stokes died aged 53 on May 30 at his home in Darwen, after a two-year battle with cancer.

St Mary's College, Shear Brow, Blackburn, presented cheques to Cancer Research UK and Christie's Against Cancer after a charity walk and football tournament.

College principal Michael Finley said: "Peter loved his family and was proud of all of them. Everyone who knew Peter had great respect for him. He was a man of honour, integrity, trustworthiness and love. He is greatly missed by all."

Peter began his teaching career at St Mary's College in September 1975 after a Post Graduate Teaching Certificate at Manchester Polytechnic and a science degree from Loughborough University.

He went on to complete a Masters degree in Newcastle and a Masters in Education at Lancaster.

Mr Finley added: "His commitment to the students was unbounded. He was always looking for new ways to help and support young people in their learning."

Three staff members, Sarah Flanagan, Pat Rogers and Alison Wolstenholme walked the Ribble Way over six days this August to raise £3,590. More than 60 other walkers joined the team for the final Sunday and a fundraising barbecue.

Peter was a keen footballer and the college also organised the Peter Stokes Commemorative Football Challenge at Langho in September.

Around £12,000 was raised by six teams of old boys, staff and friends.