THE head teacher of a Burnley school today paid tribute to a colleague whose infectious laugh 'lit up the school.'

John Sweeney, 57, passed away on Sunday suddenly after losing his fight to cancer.

Mr Sweeney, a design and technology teacher and head of year at Habergham High School, came from a strong Catholic background after being born in County Tyrone.

He came to the school in 1986 after studying at Manchester's elite De La Salle training college. He worked in Rochdale before taking on the job at Habergham in 1986.

Teachers said Mr Sweeney took an active role in supporting amateur dramatics and sports and was a member of PendleKraft which started out as a folk group, where he played the mandolin.

Stuart Smith, head teacher at Habergham, Byron Street, Burnley, said Mr Sweeney's positive attitude and infectious laugh would be sadly missed by all the pupils and staff.

He added: "He loved life and loved working with young people. He was a wonderful craftsman and passed that on to the pupils he taught. He was very positive, especially for somebody who was so late in the stage of their career.

"His infectious laugh lightened up the school and staff room, his very presence will be deeply missed. He was a lovely, lovely man who did a lot for others."

He added: "We decided to close the school on Friday to allow staff and pupils representing the school to attend the funeral.

"Our thoughts are with his wife and three children at this very sad time."

The funeral will be held at St Mary's Church, Sabden, at 1.45pm tomorrow.