A SCHOOL is in mourning following the death of a popular science teacher.

Staff and pupils were shocked when 45-year-old Alan Butler, who had been teaching at Fred Longworth High School for 23 years, died suddenly last week.

Masses of cards and tributes have flooded in for the teacher described as "the life and soul of the party."

Headteacher Tony Colley said: "The whole school is in shock. He was very popular and very well liked, the real life and soul of any party, anywhere. He was very quick witted and had a fantastic sense of humour.

"He was a first class teacher."

A school assembly, full of tributes and prayers, was held in honour of Mr Butler.

Originally from Wrexham, Mr Butler studied at Manchester University, before moving to Atherton.

Over the past 19 years Mr Butler took school kids on numerous holiday trips.

A poem written by a pupil was read out at Mr Butler's funeral at St George's Church, Tyldesley.

The service was followed by a cremation at Howe Bridge, Atherton.