Family's tributes after Shropshire teacher's sudden death

The family of Gareth Utting have spoken of their loss, describing him as an "amazing" husband and "brilliant" dad.

Mr Utting, an English teacher at Thomas Adams School in Wem, was taken to Royal Shrewsbury Hospital on Wednesday evening after he was suddenly taken ill.

He later died while of what is thought to have been a heart attack.

Mr Utting, of Cherry Drive, Ellesmere, leaves his wife Alison and children Sam, 14, Ioan, four, and Catrin, one.

His wife said they married in Oswestry in August 2011 and met at the Thomas Adams School while he was teaching and she was doing her teacher training.

"He was the most amazing and loving husband and brilliant dad," she said.

"He was a kind, funny, compassionate and clever man who achieved so much. But he always thought the worst.

"He was a very honest man, kind with money and a really dedicated teacher.

"He could never do things by half. He put in a lot of extra time and effort. He had dreadful sense of humour.

"He was dedicated to martial arts, recently took up wood carving, loved trees and nature, and read and read and read. He hated sad endings. The messages of support I have had have been amazing."

Pupils, parents and staff have taken to social networking sites to pay their own tributes.

On Facebook, Tracey Kennedy, said: "My sons English teacher. Rip Mr Utting. Missed by all at Thomas Adams."

Megan Ruscoe said: "RIP Mr Utting, you will be dearly missed by everyone from Thomas Adams. Thoughts go out to your family and friends."

Cheryl Matthews said: "We are all missing you dearly Gaz."

Katie Edwards described Mr Utting as an "amazing teacher".

Mr Utting had taught at Thomas Adams for 10 years and a short memorial service is being planned at the school in the coming week.

Headteacher Elizabeth Dakin described Mr Utting as "popular and hardworking" who will be well remembered for his sense of humour. She said pupils were already making plans to create a book of poems and memories – a fitting tribute as Mr Utting ran the school's Poetry Club.

Formerly of St Martins, Mr Utting was a leader of the St Martin's Beaver Scouts, as well as a martial arts instructor in Eskrima. He was also an active member of Penycae Neighbourhood Church of the Nazarene.