A SCHOOL paid tribute to a beloved and dedicated teacher.

Chris Keville, assistant headteacher at the De La Salle School, Basildon, died last month.

Mr Keville, 59, had worked on the leadership team for eight years.

Headteacher Mike Curnock, who had known Mr Keville for 27 years, wrote in the school newsletter about his colleague.

Dr Curnock said: “Chris personified all that is good about our school.

“On applying here he wrote that his philosophy of educating youngsters was to enable them ‘to do, to live and to be’.

“He certainly lived his school life to that philosophy.

“His light-hearted demeanour and diligent drive for success made him an exceptional leader in the school.

“Our fond memories and love for Chris will endure the present and live on in strength as we dedicate his name to awards and celebrations here in the school.”

Mr Keville was married and had two sons, aged 18 and 16.

Dr Curnock said: “Chris and I have known each other for 27 years, having first worked together in 1988.

“There are many great stories about Chris over the years, the greatest being those of his family life and holidays.”

Pupils were also invited to submit their own memories of their teacher, which were also published in the newsletter.

One pupil said: “Mr Keville was an amazing teacher and a lovely man.

“I will never forget the laughs we had and I will never forget him.

“It’s going to be hard with him not around but I know he’s always in our hearts.”

Another wrote: “You would never see Mr Keville without a smile on his face.”

The school, in Ghyllgrove, plans to set up an academic award in Mr Keville’s memory