A HEADMASTER has paid tribute to a former head boy who died after a walking accident in Snowdonia.

As reported in last night's BEN, Nick Porter, was airlifted by helicopter to hospital after falling 300ft while walking with 11 members of his university's hiking club on Sunday.

He died the following day from his injuries.

His former headmaster at Southlands High School, Chorley, Mr John Lawson, said Mick had been head boy from 1990/91.

"We are all very subdued, he was a splendid young man, a natural leader. We all thought very highly of him," said Mr Lawson.

"He was a superb pupil. It is a terrible tragedy for his parents and his family. It is four or five years ago since he was at the school, but staff still remember him and are stunned as you would expect."

After leaving Southlands, Nick, of Sutton Lane, Adlington went on to Wigan College where he achieved five straight 'As' in maths and science subjects.

He was in his third year studying for a degree in Chemical Engineering at the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST), but at the time of his death was on a year's work placement with an oil company in Pembroke.

The popular and gifted student also gained his Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award and had just earned his Queens Scout Award.

Mr Lawson added: "He was a credit to the school and a great credit to his family, who are lovely, lovely people.

"It is a tragic waste of a young life. He had everything going for him. He had a lovely sense of humour, was very popular and strong enough to be a leader.

The funeral takes place on Friday at Rivington.

Nick's parents Russell and Beryl were too distressed yesterday to talk.

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