TRIBUTES have been paid to Matthew Hatton by his former teacher and scout leader, who have spoken about how proud they are of him.

John Butcher, deputy head teacher at Easingwold School, remembered Matthew well, having taught him English at GCSE. He said he particularly remembered Matthew visiting the school in his full uniform after joining up.

Mr Butcher, who said he spoke for the entire school, said: “I remember him as a very good-natured and friendly young man who got on well with staff and pupils alike and was very popular.

“He was very good-natured and I just remember him smiling. He did often speak about his ambition to join the Army and one thing I remember about him is that he went to Harrogate for training and he returned to the school in his full uniform.

“I had asked him to keep in touch and he came in wearing full uniform and marched up to the front reception to see us. We were so proud of him and we are even more proud of him now, if that’s possible, and we’re just devastated by the news. For his parents and his whole family, it must be even worse and our thoughts are very much with them.

“He was dedicated to his ambition and he pursued that with a real commitment and determination. We are just incredibly proud that he was a member of our school.”

David Howarth, of the 2nd Haxby and Wigginton Scout Group, said he had known Matthew since he was eight years old.

Mr Howarth, who lives in Haxby, said he had also known of Matthew’s ambition to join the Army.

He said: “He was a very likeable lad, he was adventurous and always into things. He was a good boy and will be sadly missed.

“He enjoyed everything, everything that was put in front of him, any challenge anything.”

Matthew Hatton had a love of the Army as a boy as the second picture in this story can testify.

Even when young he was wearing combat fatigues, pictured here in 1998 with 2nd Haxby and Wigginton Scouts at Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Strensall. At the time, the 34th Army Field Hospital were hosting the first ever Accident & Emergency Action Day for the York City Scout Fellowship.