Past and present pupils of an "inspirational" teacher are being invited along to his funeral to pay their last respects to him.

Mark Dallas, who was assistant headteacher at Greenacre Academy in Walderslade, died after a battle with cancer in December.

Shortly after his death friends and family paid tribute to him and now past pupils are being invited to his funeral service on Friday, January 24.

Mr Dallas' will make his final journey via the school in Walderslade Road, and pupils are expected to line the entrance as his funeral cortege passes between 1.15 and 1.20pm.

The hearse will enter the Greenacre front entrance and sit for 5 minutes before heading off to the crematorium. Staff will follow the hearse holding red and white balloons.

A letter was also sent to parents of present pupils inviting them to pay their respects on the day. Pupils are also allowed to follow the precession to the crematorium for the service.

Mr Dallas lived in Princes Park his whole life with his dad Nicky Dallas. As well as becoming a much loved teacher at the school in Walderslade Road, he was also a former pupil at the school.

His sister was there to support him every step of the way with his illness and said he smiled every day.

Nicola Dallas of Rochester said: "He went to work everyday, even after the diagnosis. It happened on Saturday, December 21 and I did not leave his side.

"He had treatment for three weeks, then he came home with me and I cared for him.

"I took him into hospital on Tuesday and he asked for end of life care.

"I think he had enough of not being able to do the things he used to, he wanted control and didn't want the cancer to take over.

"He stayed strong through everything, even when the cancer came back after he had been given the all clear.

"He was only 37, he was an inspirational man, he always had time for everyone.

"He loved being with his family, he had me, dad and our older brother Colin.

"Although he didn't have a family of his own, I used to say to him when are you going to start a family, and he would say, 'I don't need to, I've got 1,000 children at school, they are all my children'."

She added: "That's just the kind of kind, loving man he was."

Shelly Bridger, headteacher of Greenacre Academy also paid tribute Mr Dallas.

She said: "We are all heartbroken and it was with great sadness that we shared the news to colleagues and students that Mr Dallas, ex-student, ICT teacher, ex Head of Sixth Form and current Assistant Headteacher passed away.

"Mr Dallas has worked for the academy for over 20 years and during his career had transformed the teaching of ICT within the academy.

"His kindness and willingness to help around the school made him a teacher that was loved by students, staff and the wider community.

In the letter sent out to parents this week, Ms Bridger said: "If you wish to attend the crematorium, please follow up along with our staff.

"We will open up the front cage for parking and also Bradfields entrance will be open.

"Please arrive by 1pm and we hope to see you there as we say a sad goodbye to our colleague, teacher and friend."

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