Neighbours in a York village were today mourning a young teacher found dead at his home.

Andrew Clay, 31, was found hanging in a house in Copmanthorpe, by his father, David, and neighbour Jean Tutill yesterday lunchtime.

His father had called round for Sunday lunch, but when he got no reply he called on Mrs Tutill for a key.

She said: "He was such a superb guy and he was like a son to us. I just can't stop thinking about it."

She said he was recently promoted to deputy headteacher at the primary school where he worked, believed to be in Knottingley.

"He was a brilliant neighbour," she said. "We couldn't have wished for anyone better. Nothing was too much trouble and he was always there for you.

"He loved walking and classical music. He was an outgoing sort of chap who'd go out cycling or running to keep fit."

Mr Clay's parents also live in Copmanthorpe.

Andrew's father, David, said: "It has come as a complete shock. There was absolutely no reason for him to do something like this."

Police are not treating Mr Clay's death as suspicious.

Updated: 15:10 Monday, February 26, 2001