A TREE has been planted in celebration of the life of Sedgehill Secondary School teacher Pat Stack.

Headteacher Ilir Phillips led the ceremony at the school in Sedgehill Road, Bellingham, with a moving tribute to her former deputy.

She spoke of the way Mr Stack, 45, who hanged himself in the school's minibus garage earlier this year, worked to help young people fulfil their potential.

The planting, of a flowering cherry, was attended by his wife Cathy, mother Gwen and two of his daughters.

Lewisham Council's deputy for lifelong learning Councillor Katy Donnelly said: "Pat Stack was a respected teacher who gave so much to his students and was an important member of his local community."

Mr Stack was presented with an MBE by the Queen, for his outstanding work helping students both in and out of school, last year.

November 16, 2001 17:44