PUPILS at an Oxford school were today holding their own tribute to old boy Colin Sanders, who died in a helicopter crash.

Magdalen College School in Cowley Place, Oxford, was holding a memorial service for pupils and staff.

Mr Sanders, a self-made millionaire, had been a generous benefactor to the school as well as a governor and the chairman of a major appeal fund for new school buildings.

The 50-year-old, of Souldern Manor, Souldern, near Bicester, was killed when his Squirrel helicopter crashed into a field and burst into flames near his home on Wednesday.

The school's Master Peter Tinniswood said: "I think it's very important the students understand the contribution this man has made and the achievements of a boy that has come through the school and has often said how much he owed to the school.

"We want them to understand this was a very special person. He had a sharp mind.

"He was very genuine and he had an enormous sense of fun."

Mr Sanders's brother Neil said: "He was a very experienced and able pilot. I had flown with him a number of times.

"He enjoyed flying and was extremely good at it."

John Jeffery, managing director of Solid State Logic, the company Mr Sanders started with just £13 and sold for £27m, said he had been an experienced pilot.

He said: "He was a well qualified helicopter pilot and the Squirrel was fairly new.

"I know it was equipped to a very high specification."

He described his friend as a "jolly fine chap."

Banbury MP Tony Baldry added: "I'm really desperately sorry to learn of Colin Sanders's death. He was an outstanding man, a person who took enormous interest in the well being of the community in which he lived.

"He was a brilliant businessman, who was extremely generous in his support for local initiatives and making things happen."

An inquest into Mr Sanders's death was expected to be opened next week.

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