SHOCKED education chiefs today paid tribute today to a York headteacher who has collapsed and died at the peak of his profession.

Peter Feasby, 48, the head of Robert Wilkinson School in Strensall, is believed to collapsed at his home in the Heworth area yesterday evening. He leaves a widow Lisa and two young children.

Stunned parents arriving at the school today were invited to a special assembly conducted by acting headteacher Maggie Antoun, while the children were told the news by their class teachers.

Patrick Scott, director of education at City of York Council, said Mr Feasby's death had come as a terrible shock, and praised his work at the school.

"First and foremost our thoughts are with Peter's wife and two young children," he said.

"Peter was known and respected well beyond his own school and he will be missed by all his friends in the educational community in York. He was a dedicated and talented headteacher, who always put children first."

The LEA is making support available to the staff and children at the school should it be needed.

Elizabeth Blacklee, chairwoman of the school governors, said today that Mr Feasby would be remembered for his vision for the school.

"This was a vision which embraced children, all staff, parents and the whole community," she said. "Peter will be very much missed."

Mr Feasby had been headteacher at the 500-pupil school since September 1997. He was born in York, but was teaching in the North East before he took up his appointment in Strensall.

Coun Carol Runciman, executive member for education, said: "This is a great loss, both to the school and to the City. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and all the staff and children in the school."

A spokesman for the York Coroner's office said a post-mortem examination was likely to be held tomorrow but the early indications were that Mr Feasby's death was due to natural causes.

Updated: 13:49 Tuesday, June 08, 2004