by Angela Cole

acole@thekmgroup.co.uk

A popular drama teacher died before he could see his unique plan to celebrate literacy come to fruition.

Mike Wilkinson, 58, head of drama at Cranbrook School for 27 years, died suddenly from a heart attack during the half term holiday.

He had been working on plans for pupils from Cranbrook's three schools to stop and read simultaneously for half an hour to celebrate World Book Day.

The reading event was carried out at the school in his memory, as staff and students came to terms with his sudden death.

Children bought a book of condolence and there are plans to name the drama studio after him.

Head teacher Angela Daly said: "Everyone at Cranbrook School was shocked and saddened by the sudden death of Mike Wilkinson.

"Tributes have poured in to the school from parents and students, past and present. All of them spoke of his kindness, his interest in others and the way in which he put himself out for them.

"Staff at the school, teaching and support, feel his loss very strongly; he is a man who will be remembered by many."

Born in Ealing, Mr Wilkinson had worked as a floor manager for Thames Television before going into teaching.