An inspirational and gifted teacher whose sudden death has devastated his family and a school community was due to become a dad to his second child.

Matt Norris, 40, who taught at Herne Bay High, died from a suspected heart attack in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

His wife, Lisa, 38, who is seven months pregnant, said he was a wonderful husband and loving father to their five-year-old daughter Alexis.

The couple met in 2001 while working at Sainsbury's in Whitstable, where they live, before he embarked on his teaching career.

Distraught Mrs Norris, who still works at the supermarket, said: "He loved teaching - he was just was born to do it.

"He was good at it and just got on with everyone. He was also a wonderful husband and loving dad.

"We are all completely devastated by his sudden and unexpected loss.

"He was a kind and caring person with a great sense of humour who brought a smile to everyone’s face.

"He was looking forward to the birth of our second child in April, and his death has left a massive hole in our lives."

Herne Bay High head teacher Jon Boyes broke the tragic news to parents in an emotional letter, saying the school and teaching staff had been "impacted significantly" by the news.

He told KentOnline's sister paper, the Herne Bay Gazette: "Matt had found his calling at Herne Bay High.

"Coming to work made him happy, and he loved sharing that happiness with the students.

"The reaction since his death is a true reflection of the man and teacher he was.

"He was always positive, bubbly and happy and that shone through. He'll be sorely missed."

In his letter to parents, Mr Boyes said Mr Norris had "forged relationships and friendships that were both deep and long lasting".

"Matt was a true reflection of what the school represents," he continued.

"He was bubbly, happy, positive, would help anyone and would always go the extra mile to support staff and students, no matter what the issue.

"Personally, I knew Matt well and his passing will leave a big hole in the fabric of the school; it is just so sad.

"I had the sad task of informing our staff body tonight and, as you can imagine, the news has impacted them significantly.

"I am sure that there will be many of you, both parents and students, who will be devastated by the news."

Mr Norris had taught at Herne Bay High for more than three years, but also enjoyed earlier spells at The Whitstable School, Spires Academy in Canterbury and Charles Dickens in Broadstairs.

Commenting on his death on Kent Online, one pupil wrote wrote: "Mr Norris was a true inspiration to me. He really helped me settle down at Charles Dickens, and would be there to talk to when I needed it.

"He was an amazing man and human being, and he cared about his students and fellow staff excellently."

A friend added: “I knew Matt both as a teacher and as a staff member at Sainsburys and I’m pretty sure he would have glowed at these tributes.

“He was an amazing and unique human, able to think outside of the box, and just so funny, like epically funny.

“I’ll miss him, many of us will miss him. That is his legacy.”

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