STAFF and pupils at a school near Banbury have paid tribute to a 25-year-old teacher who died following a fall.

Matt Brace, right, who was a business and economics teacher at Chenderit School, in Middleton Cheney, had the accident at 2.45am last Saturday at Evesham Rugby Club.

The talented rugby player was taken to hospital in Birmingham for surgery, but never regained consciousness and died on Wednesday.

The school’s headteacher Graham Tyrer said: “His death comes as an immense shock to us all.

“Mr Brace was one of the most energetic, vigorous colleagues any of us can remember.

“He taught with great passion and enthusiasm.

“He was always courteous, funny and demanded the highest standards of discipline from himself and others.

“He summed up the best of our school community: he wished everyone well and no one ill and he showed us how to look after your neighbour as yourself.”

Mr Tyrer said the school was planning a permanent memorial to him on the site.