SPORTS shirts and school ties dedicated to a much loved PE teacher who died in a car crash have formed part of a shrine created in his memory.

Scores of bouquets of flowers on the gates of The Hermitage Academy in Chester-le-Street, County Durham, reflect the grief of a school in mourning.

A second emotional vigil was held today (mon) as staff and students come to terms with the sudden death of 31-year-old Paul Cable.

The school was closed for half term, but around fifty students turned up to pay their respects.

Candles were lit and personal tributes were left for the popular teacher on a giant piece of waterproof white material to create a permanent memorial to him.

One said: “Mr Cable, I am deeply saddened by your death. My thoughts will be with you always as you were a great teacher, but a greater man. May you rest in peace, always.”

Mr Cable was an enthusiastic supporter of the school’s sports clubs and groups and took groups of young people on skiing holidays.

A message on a Waldridge Park Junior Football Club jumper read: “RIP Mr Cable, We will remember all you did for our young people.”

The vigil today follows a similar gathering at 5pm on Sunday organised through the school’s Facebook page, which has been inundated with messages of condolence.

Mr Cable was pronounced dead after his Vauxhall Vectra collided with a Volvo heavy goods vehicle on the A6076 between Stanley and Sunniside at 7.50am on Saturday.

He lived in Ryton, near Gateshead, with his wife, Isabelle and their two-year-old daughter, Isabelle, and had worked at the school since 2004 when he joined as newly qualified teacher.

The school’s principal, Jim Murray, said staff would be helping pupils deal with the shock.

He said: “We have communicated with parents and staff were there to meet kids this morning as part of the support we are offering.

“They will continue to be available to support students during this difficult time.”

An inquest into the circumstances surrounding the smash will be held to establish how the collision occurred.

Northumbria Police is investigating and has appealed for witnesses to contact them on 101.