SCHOOL pupils held an emotional vigil last night in memory of a popular teacher who was killed in a road accident.
Paul Cable, a father-of-one, who taught PE at The Hermitage Academy in Chester-le-Street, County Durham, died when his Vauxhall Vectra collided with a heavy goods vehicle on Saturday morning.
Students and staff gathered at the school gates at 5pm to remember the life of the 31-year-old, who joined as a newly qualified teacher in 2004.
A message posted on the school’s Facebook page said: “This kind act shows us that Mr Cable was a well-respected teacher, not only for his 'unique' teaching styles, but for the comfort and support he has offered to each and everyone one of us throughout our time at The Hermitage Academy.
“He will truly be remembered forever as a teacher, a friend, a helping hand, but most of all for the smile and joy he brought to the school and the PE department.”
Mr Cable lived in Ryton, near Gateshead, with his wife, Claire, and his two-year-old daughter, Isabelle.
He was pronounced dead following the accident at 7.50am on the A6076 Burdon Plain, near the Tanfield railway entrance, between Stanley and Sunniside.
The school’s principal, Jim Murray, is returning from a half-term holiday to help staff, students and Mr Cable’s family come to terms with the shock.
He said: “He was the loveliest of men, a great teacher and played a huge part in the school community.
"He was very popular with the students and someone who gave an incredible amount of time to support PE activities and trips. He will be sadly missed.”
Former colleague Trevor Blacklock, a retired humanities teacher who taught at the school for 30 years, said: “This will come as a great shock to everyone at the school.
“He was a smashing lad. As a PE teacher he will have been involved in the education of most of the pupils there.
“He was well-liked by staff and students and this is a great loss for everyone at the Hermitage.”
The school put out a message on the social networking site Twitter informing people of the tragedy.
Students and former pupils responded to the school’s online announcement by calling for a day of sport to remember Mr Cable.
Durham County Council chairman, Coun Linda Marshall, said: “This is very sad news.”
Coun Allan Bainbridge said his grandson plays football for the school and would know Mr Cable.
He said: “He will be very upset to hear about what has happened.
“It is very sad to hear of this loss and it is devastating for the people of Chester-le-Street.”
Northumbria Police is investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision and has appealed for witnesses to contact them on the non emergency number 101.
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