TRIBUTES have been paid to a "devoted and passionate" teacher who died this week.

Staff and pupils of Thornleigh Salesian College, at Sharples Park, have been remembering history teacher Paul Horrocks.

Mr Horrocks died at his home on Sunday, aged 59. He had been suffering from cancer.

Father Martin Coyle, headteacher, said the school was "shocked and saddened" to hear about the death of Mr Horrocks, a past pupil of Thornleigh, who started his teaching career in 1967 at St Cuthbert's School, Old Kiln Lane.

He said Mr Horrocks' career had been devoted to Catholic education in Bolton and added: "He was conscientious and devoted history teacher. Paul was passionate about his subject. He always strove to inspire his pupils by making the past come alive, allowing them to understand and empathise with any historical situation."

Mr Horrocks was a supporter of Bolton Wanderers and gave a lot of his time to take various football teams after school and on Saturday mornings.

Mr Coyle said: "Paul was a true Christian in his genuine concern for the education and welfare of all the pupils in his care and, especially, the disadvantaged children. His faith commitment was seen not only in supporting the school ethos, but in the values he lived and passed on to his pupils.

"On a personal level, he will be greatly missed for his jokes, laughter, companionship, warmth and sheer professionalism. He will leave a heartfelt void among his longstanding friends, colleagues and ex-colleagues."

A requiem mass will be held in St Osmund's RC Church, Breightmet, next Tuesday at 10am, prior to interment in Tonge Cemetery at 11.30am.