A BLACKBURN school closed earlier today as coach loads of staff and pupils attended the funeral of their deputy headteacher.

Special permission was granted by Blackburn with Darwen Council to St Bede's RC High School to close as a mark of respect to Tim Butler who died suddenly on February 20 at his Preston home.

Mr Butler, 47, was an English specialist in the Livesey Branch Road school, for 21 years - serving as deputy head for 11 years.

A funeral service was to take place at St Mary's RC Church, in Barton, at 10am today with school re-opening at noon for lessons.

Headteacher John Challinor said the school community was coming to terms with the loss through prayers, both at an Ash Wednesday service, at morning prayers, and the funeral.