Hundreds of pupils, staff and friends turned up to say a fond farewell to Mark Dallas, a much respected and popular teacher.

To pay homage to his beloved Liverpool football club, red and white balloons were released at Greenacre Academy, Walderslade where he taught for more than 20 years.

Fittingly, mourners also wore a splash of red representing his team's colours and the school choir sang on tape the Anfield anthem You'll Never Walk Alone as the hearse arrived at the school.

Other spilled out of the gates on to Walderslade Road to pay tribute to the assistant head teacher Mr Dallas , who lost his battle with cancer at the age of 37.

Head teacher Shelly Bridger spoke with emotion before the cortege departed for the funeral at Medway Crematorium, Blue Bell Hill yesterday afternoon.

She said: "We are deeply saddened, heartbroken. He was a friend and colleague who went above and beyond for the students of Greenacre.We will miss him terribly."

The crowd, clutching their balloons, fell silent in the grey January drizzle as the limousine carrying the coffin draped with his Liverpool scarf entered.Red and white floral displays, including some in the shape of footballs and personal tributes from relatives,were also on show as it made its way past tearful teachers, pupils and ex-students.

Mr Dallas lived in Princes Park his whole life with his dad Nicky Dallas. As well as being described as an "inspirational" teacher, he was also a pupil at the school in Walderslade Road.

His sister Nicola and older brother Colin were there to support him every step of the way with his illness and said despite his pain he put on a brave face. Mr Dallas, who taught IT, continued to work as much as he could, even after the diagnosis.

He passed away on December 21 at Medway Maritime Hospital, his family by side.

A reception was held at Lordswood Bowling Centre in Newton Road after the service.

Mrs Bridger said: "We will be remembering Mr Dallas in school and commemorating his life and work."

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