STUDENTS at Primet High School, Colne, wiped away tears as headteacher David Fletcher announced the tragic death of popular geography teacher Keith Ingham.

Some of the youngsters arrived at school with flowers while other floral tributes have been left at the multi-storey car park in Nelson town centre from where Mr Ingham, 53, fell to his death on Friday.

One pupil has already suggested to Mr Fletcher that some form of commemoration to Mr Ingham should be made at the school's independent learning centre and former library, with which he was closely associated.

Mr Fletcher told more than 800 pupils and staff at a full assembly this morning that the announcement was the hardest thing he had had to do during his teaching career.

The assembly was attended by two ministers who are both school governors, the Rev Mike Hartley of Holy Trinity Church and the Rev Philip Elson of Haggate Baptist Church. Counselling will be available if needed.

Mr Fletcher described Mr Ingham as a loyal and dedicated servant to Primet who had taught generation after generation of young people during a quarter of a century of service to the community.

He had been a caring form tutor to hundreds of pupils who would have happy memories of field trips and residential visits.

Mr Ingham was a lifelong Burnley football supporter and although he could not attend Saturday matches because of his involvement as a national volleyball referee, the passion he expressed after attending a midweek game was a pleasure to remember, Mr Fletcher said.