PUPILS at a York school were today mourning the death of a schoolmate after a six-week battle against cancer.

Teachers and counsellors are helping students at Huntington School come to terms with the death of James Hurd.

Head teacher Chris Bridge told students at a special assembly yesterday that James, who was 14, had died from a brain tumour.

The keen footballer had been battling with cancer for over a month after he was taken seriously ill in April. Despite a number of urgent operations and medical treatments he died earlier this week.

Just last week he had lost his sight as a result of the disease.

His mother, Ruth Hurd, who is an English teacher at the school, and father Stephen, who is joint pastor of York City Church, were being comforted by friends today at their Grange Lane home.

Year 9 head teacher Marie-Claire Keddie said: "James was a very popular pupil who involved himself fully in the life of the school. He was a bright student who enjoyed his school work.

"He was musical and played a key role in the football team.

"The thoughts of both staff and pupils are with James's family at this time."

A close family friend said arrangements for the funeral service were under way. He said: "We are expecting a lively service of thanksgiving for this young man's life."

Two clergymen from the York Diocese have been brought into the school to offer counselling and support to students.

James's parents felt unable to comment further today about their son's death.

It is the second tragedy to hit the school in six months. In November Jamie Bucknell, 14, collapsed and died from a heart condition in front of his schoolmates.

The Evening Press subsequently launched a campaign to buy heart monitors for York District Hospital. A permanent memorial has been set up in Jamie's name through Cardiac Risk in the Young.

Updated: 15:15 Friday, May 24, 2002