Tributes rolling in for young rugby player

Further tributes have been paid to a 17-year-old Shropshire rugby player who collapsed and died on an activity course taking place at a county college.

Matthew Dewhirst, from St Martins, was taken ill at Ellesmere College on Thursday and died a short while later despite efforts by friends and medical staff to save him.

Matthew, a pupil at the college, was on a summer activity course held at the college, but run by an external provider, when he was taken ill.

Friend Matthew Simcock took to Twitter to pay tribute to his friend saying: "Would like to put a tweet out to a true friend, and one of the best rugby players I have played alongside, rest in peace Matthew Dewhirst."

Matthew was a member of the North Midlands rugby squad and played at front row for the school rugby team as well as for Whitchurch and the county.

Mark Dyche, rugby chairman at Whitchurch Rugby Club, said the club was 'deeply saddened' by Matthew's death.

He added: "At this time the thoughts of everyone at the club are very much with the family and friends of Matthew."

Brendan Wignall, headmaster of Ellesmere College, said the school community was 'shocked and deeply saddened'.

He added: "We are currently providing access to counselling for the young people present on the course and for the staff on the scene, who dealt with the situation admirably and sensitively."

Matthew's parents Chris and Sue Dewhirst said the funeral will be held in the chapel at Ellesmere College on a date to be fixed. Everyone who knew Matthew has been invited to attend.

The death has been reported to the coroner but a spokesman said no post mortem has been carried out so far.

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