TRIBUTES have been paid to a teacher whose sudden death has left a school in mourning.

Paul Shuttleworth, 58, spent three decades teaching at Ryedale School, Nawton, holding two principle roles, as head of the lower school and head of drama.

Mr Shuttleworth, who lived at Thornton-le-Dale for 32 years, died suddenly last week. He leaves Susan, his wife of 36 years, two daughters, Gillian, 32, and Catherine, 29, son-in-law Rob, and his mother Lucy, aged 83.

Mrs Shuttleworth said her husband loved his job. "It kept him young. He liked being with young people and he liked a challenge," she said.

Headteacher Geoff Jenkinson said he was a well-respected teacher with a passion for performing arts who kept a "fatherly eye" on the children.

He added: "He helped the school in its bid for special arts status. It's sadly ironic that Paul will never have the opportunity to teach in it. We plan to name the studio theatre after him."

His funeral will be at All Saints' Church, Thornton-le-Dale, today, at 1pm, followed by a private burial.

The family has requested donations to the Ryedale School performance arts department in lieu of flowers.