Hundreds of former pupils are expected to gather for a service tonight to remember a popular teacher who died suddenly at the age of 42.

Matthew Lewis, who had been head of Religious Education at Maidstone's St Simon Stock School for 10 years, died on Easter Monday.

He had complained of chest pains and left the room, during a meal with his family. An ambulance was called but he could not be revived.

A series of assemblies in his memory have been held at the school in Oakwood Park, with the last, for parents and past pupils, being held in the sports hall tonight (Monday) at 7pm.

Headteacher Brendan Wall paid tribute to a friend and colleague, who leaves a wife and two young children.

“He was a lovely man, an exceptional teacher and an exemplary subject leader,” he said.

“He was also a big family man. He loved his family and he was really mindful of them and had high hopes and aspirations for them. He had a dry sense of humour and was very popular with colleagues and pupils.”

He added: “A lot of past pupils have very fond memories of him as a teacher and as somebody who loved them. They remember Matthew’s care and friendship. He was a great man who is going to be sorely missed by colleagues and by students.”