YOUNG Jack Scarce has just completed seven years at school without a day off - as a tribute to the dad he idolised.

Jack, 11, was devastated when his father, Malcolm, collapsed and died from a massive heart attack at the age of 42.

Mr Scarce, a well-known Selby taxi driver nick-named the "gentle giant", was as proud as punch when his son completed his first four years at school without missing a single day.

Today he would have been bursting with pride as Jack was presented with a special trophy to mark what is a new attendance record at his school, Hungate Primary, at Sherburn-in-Elmet.

Mum Shirley, 41, said: "Jack told me he's done it for his dad. He made a promise to himself never to have a day off at school and this is what kept him going."

Mrs Scarce said: "Jack took it very badly when his dad died three years ago. They were very close. But despite all this, he still managed not to have a day off. I am so proud of him.

"Jack is never poorly and never ails a thing, and playing truant or swinging the lead never enters his head."

Jack's record includes a year in the reception class at Hungate, where his mother is a non-teaching assistant.

Hungate School head teacher Michael Whaley said: "This is a wonderful achievement by Jack. I've been a head teacher for 28 years and have never had a pupil with a 100 per cent attendance record for seven years."

In September, Jack will join his sister, Kay, 13, at Sherburn High School.

Updated: 10:22 Friday, July 18, 2003