Pupils and staff at a York school were today mourning a 12-year-old boy who died after collapsing during an athletics lesson.

School staff at Millthorpe School, Nunthorpe Avenue, gave Matthew Francis, of Sherringham Drive, Woodthorpe, first-aid until crews from North Yorkshire Ambulance Service arrived.

Paramedics attempted to resuscitate him following his sudden collapse at 3pm yesterday.

He was then taken to York District Hospital where a full resuscitation team was standing by. But they were unable to save him and he died at about 5pm.

The coroner is investigating the case, but is yet to decide whether an inquest will be held. A post mortem examination was being carried out today. Police say there are no suspicious circumstances.

They say the boy's parents, Jeanette and John, are too distressed to talk about the tragedy.

Headmaster Peter Whitcomb broke the news at a school assembly today.

A City of York educational psychologist and two educational social workers were today at the school to offer counselling and support to pupils and staff.

And following the sudden death, the council's schools health and safety officer has visited the school to carry out an investigation.

A spokeswoman for the city council said its priority was to help the school in the best way possible. She said: "Our education social work team is trained for just such an eventuality.

"They offer counselling, advice and support to staff and pupils when something like this happens.

"We very much do what the school requires."

Neighbours in Sherringham Drive, an estate of modern houses, spoke today of their shock and disbelief at Matthew's death.

A woman who knew Matthew well said: "We are just awfully upset."

Another neighbour said: "It's a terrible shock. It's awful." She said Matthew had always been a fit and healthy child. "He was sports mad," she said. <!C-#include virtual="/ep/newsfooter.html"

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