A BLACKBURN school will close on Monday as coach loads of staff and pupils pay tribute to their deputy headteacher who they will "miss terribly."

Tim Butler, 47, of Preston, taught at St Bede's RC High School, in Livesey Branch Road, for 21 years - serving as deputy head for 11 years.

He died suddenly last Friday, on February 20, at his Preston home.

A funeral service will take place at St Mary's RC Church, in Barton, on Monday with two coach loads of staff from the school attending along with six senior prefects and head boys and girls. The school will re-open at noon for lessons.

Letters were sent to parents earlier this week notifying them of the death.

Head teacher John Challinor said: "He was a dedicated professional who I will miss terrible. We are coping. It helps to be a church school as prayers have naturally helped our bereavement process. Our thoughts are with his family who are devastated."

Chairman of governors, Father Stephen Doyle, added: "The news comes with deep regret. He was a much respected member of staff as he was a dedicated professional teacher.

"His death is a great loss to the school. I have sent a letter of condolence to his father on behalf of myself, the governors and pupils. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family."

Peter Morgan, director of education and lifelong learning for Blackburn with Darwen, said: "Tim Butler was a respected member of the Blackburn with Darwen school community.

"His sudden death has come as a shock to everyone and we send our deepest condolences to his family."

A spokesman for Preston coroner's officer, Adrian Royles, said: "There will be no inquest as a post mortem examination revealed Mr Butler died of natural causes."

Mr Butler leaves a wife.