A school is renaming one of its classrooms after a popular teacher who has died.

Tom Lambert, who taught at Meredale Independent Primary School, Solomon Road, Rainham, lost his battle with bowel cancer two months ago.

The 38-year-old will have a room of his own - the Lambert classroom - to commemorate him.

“They loved him to bits,” said his mum Tizzie when describing his pupils.

“He was brilliant. Tom was an amazing son. He was my youngest - he had a sister, Emma, and a brother, Patrick, both older than him.

“The youngest one is always a bit special - allowed to be cheekier than the others.

“As a little boy he was cheeky. Not naughty, but cheeky. He’ll be remembered as a fun, gentle laid-back person.”

Head teacher at Meredale Primary, Michelle Homer, said: “Mr Lambert was a much-loved and inspirational teacher at the school between 2013 and 2016.

“His wit, smile and guitar sing-a-longs would brighten up any child’s day.

“He would often do whacky things to introduce topics to children including dressing up as a robot, and sitting in a bath of beans for charity.

“He will be sorely missed by the children and staff who knew him and in his memory we have renamed our Year 6 classroom."

"He would often do whacky things to introduce topics to children including dressing up as a robot" - Michelle Homer

The keen musician leaves his wife Bianca and two daughters - Emily, 10, and Lizzie, five.

Bianca, of Clare Road, Whitstable, has organised a 20-mile walk to raise money for the hospice he stayed in while ill.

She said: “Over 100 people have shown interest.

“But then, Tom was a great member of the community.

“The walk was just for friends and family at first, but the message has been passed on now, and the more that want to take part the merrier.”