TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular former York teacher who died after being hit by a train.

Andrew Palmer, 45, of Aldborough Way off Leeman Road, worked as a maths teacher at All Saints RC School before going on to work for businesses in the city.

The former Fulford School pupil died as a result of the collision at Northallerton train station on Thursday morning.

Bill Scriven, headteacher at All Saints School, said: “He was an incredible mathematician and left us to pursue that side of life. He was such a kind, hard-working, considerate person who would do anything for anybody. He was a gentle soul.

“There will be a lot of upset pupils and staff. He is very fondly remembered and a big part of the school.”

He said Mr Palmer loved the outdoors and was often seen hiking through fields near Malton.

Mr Palmer, who studied mathematics at the universities of Bristol and Leeds, went on to work for MS2M, a financial services solutions and consultancy business as a developer after leaving his role at All Saints school in 1999.

Julie Alderson, commercial director at AI TrackRecord, previously MS2M at York Business Park, said: “He was a warm person. He was a very good employee and very much a team player and all his colleagues liked him. He must have worked for us for about eight to ten years.

“He was really well-liked by everybody and he was a very good ambassador for us, especially with clients.”

Most recently Mr Palmer worked at Funkwerk Information Technologies, the German rail specialist, in Blossom Street. He was also known to have volunteered for charity.

Paul Appleton, of the Conservation Volunteers which has offices in Leake Street, said; “He was a frequent volunteer with us.

“He undertook volunteering above and beyond the norm. He was very willing to help where he could and often rescheduled things to come and help us out. I would describe him as a warm and kind person who was always willing to help. He always seemed to have a smile for people and was very cheery.

“He will be sadly missed.”

Coroner Michael Oakley opened an inquest into the death of Mr Palmer on Monday, at which a statement of identity was read and the inquest was adjourned pending further investigations.