A SCHOOL will remain closed tomorrow as a mark of respect for a staff member who died at the weekend.

Pupils and staff at Wolsingham School and Community College will be at the funeral of father-of-two Kenny Walton, who had worked at the school as a behaviour support assistant for the past two years.

His wife, Anne, is a senior teacher at the school. The couple have two sons, William and Robert.

Headteacher Mitch O'Reilly told the school of Mr Walton's death on Monday.

She said: "Kenny embodied all that is good about our school community and we will miss him. Everything he did was for the benefit of the pupils. He was a one-off and I can't see how we will replace him. He raised thousands of pounds for the school both through fundraising events and sponsorship."

Until recently Mr Walton worked as a part-time youth leader and was one of a team of youth workers at Glenholme in Crook.

The funeral service will take place at St Paul's Church, Evenwood, tomorrow at 12.30pm, followed by cremation at Darlington.