MEMBERS of a special school in Kingswinford are mourning the sudden death of a popular teacher.

Mark Skelding from The Brier School, Bromley Lane, died suddenly on Tuesday January 8, aged 55.

He worked as a special needs teacher for youngsters in years ten and 11, helping teenagers as they prepared to leave the school.

Russell Hinton, head teacher at The Brier, said: "All of the children, staff and governors are deeply saddened at the death of Mr Skelding. He has been an extremely popular teacher with both staff and pupils for the past 18 years and our thoughts and sympathies are with his family at this very difficult time."