A YEAR after the death of a much-loved York teacher, pupils at his school have made a fitting anniversary tribute.

On February 12 last year Burnholme Community College teacher Neil Lawrenson died of a heart attack, aged just 47.

Father-of-three Neil, pictured, the head of maths and a swimming coach at Burnholme Community College, died while swimming at the city’s Edmund Wilson Pool.

Mr Lawrenson lived in Sandringham Close, Haxby, with his wife, Suzanne, and their three children, Alice, 18, Olivia, 17, and Edward, 14.

To celebrate his life on the first anniversary of his death yesterday, pupils at the school staged a red-themed fancy dress day to raise money for the British Heart Foundation. Pupils also took part in a one-mile three-legged race along with several members of staff.

Head teacher Simon Gumn said: “Neil was a valued member of the school staff and enjoyed his teaching role at the college. He was also well-known for telling either very funny or very poor jokes. Either way he made you smile.

“It is refreshing that the students want to remember him for his humour and want to raise money for such an appropriate charity.

“The day promises to raise lots of money and most of all lots of smiles in memory of a much missed colleague, teacher and friend.”

Mr Lawrenson joined the maths department at Burnholme Community College in September 2004 and was later promoted to head of maths.

He was instrumental in raising standards in the subject and extended his influence by joining the senior leadership team in December 2007.

In 2007 Burnholme celebrated its best results, gaining the top “contextual value added score” of any state secondary in the city.

The measure looks at the progress children make between entering and leaving secondary school.

Pete Dwyer, director of learning, culture and childrens’ services at City of York Council, said at the time of Neil’s death: “Neil was a respected member of the teaching staff at Burnholme Community College and has made a significant contribution to the improvements at the school.”