EACH time this tree flowers, we will remember Andrew" - those were the words said in memory of popular teacher Andrew Dawson, who died earlier this year.

Students, friends and colleagues gathered at Matthew Arnold School at Cumnor, Oxford, yesterday to plant a tree in his memory. About 50 people stood around the white blossom cherry tree - the centrepiece of a new rose garden - for an emotional ceremony.

After the soil was turned, the group fell silent to contemplate Mr Dawson's impact on the school and the legacy he will leave.

Headteacher Katherine Ryan paid tribute to the 27-year-old geography and citizenship teacher who collapsed while playing for Oxford Harlequins rugby team in January.

She said the ceremony was an important part of making sure Mr Dawson was not forgotten. The cherry tree, chosen by Mr Dawson's parents Hamish and Dorothy, was a fitting memorial to a man who was passionate about the environment.

Mrs Ryan said: "A cherry tree flowers every spring; it is a renewal of life. We lost a very special person, but this will remind us that life does go on. Each time we see this tree flower, we will remember Andrew Dawson."

Teacher and friend Eluned Harries said after the service: "I feel really privileged to have worked with him. He was a wonderful man."

Year Eight student Javaad Alam said: "Mr Dawson took us on a trip to Lulworth Cove. The trip was excellent because it was great to have such a brilliant teacher telling us about the coast.

Mr Dawson collapsed during a match against High Wycombe at North Hinksey on Saturday, January 27.

Players from both teams tried to resuscitate Mr Dawson on the pitch before paramedics arrived. He was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital, but died later.

Mr Dawson, from Long Close, Headington, Oxford, developed heart problems last year, but doctors gave him the all-clear to play rugby again at the start of the season.

The cause of his death remains a mystery, after a post-mortem examination failed to identify what caused him to collapse and die. An inquest is due to be held later this year.

The memorial coincided with an environment day at the school where pupils took part in different activities associated with the natural world.

Student teacher Ben Peart, who organised the Environment Day, said: "Andrew was a well-loved teacher who cared about the environment around him so that's why we held the memorial to him on this day."