STAFF and pupils have paid tribute to a North Yorkshire teacher who has died of burns.

David Charlesworth, who taught science at Rossett School, in Harrogate, suffered severe burns in an undisclosed incident early on May 11.

Mr Charlesworth, 43, was taken to Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield, but doctors were unable to save him. He was pronounced dead yesterday.

Police say there are no suspicious circumstances and no-one else is being sought in connection with the incident.

Pupils were told about the tragedy at a special assembly.

Pat Hunter, the school’s head teacher, said: “We are all naturally shocked and devastated by what happened in the early hours of Wednesday. David was an excellent teacher, very well liked by both staff and students, and there is a great sense of loss among all of us.”