A BLACKBURN school believes a popular teacher who died at the start of term "was with us in spirit" during a positive Ofsted visit.

Graham Hinks, 55, from Fence, had worked at Hawthorns Junior School as a science and outdoor pursuits co-ordinator for the last seven years.

His death was triggered by a heart defect and the St James' Road school said the glowing Ofsted report was partly down to him.

Head Gary Gornell said: "I'm pleased that the inspection went so well because it came very soon after the death of Graham, a well-loved and respected teacher at Hawthorns.

"The school was, and is, grieving, but our team spirit pulled us through to show what a good school we are.

"We feel he was with us in spirit during the visit. And he played a major part in the school's success because of all the work he did, such as encouraging pupils to take part in sporting activities and accessing grants and subsidies to ensure the children could go on residential weeks and take part in things like cave exploration and rock climbing.

"On the first day of term we were faced with telling the pupils the sad news and planning his funeral."

Around 98 per cent of the 300 pupils on roll are Asian - and Ofsted praised the way pupils from Pakistani, Indian and Bangladeshi back-grounds mixed.

The report said: "Pupils are attentive in class and enjoy their lessons. Behaviour is excellent.

"Pupils understand and respect the feelings, beliefs and values of others because staff work very hard to promote racial harmony and equality.

"There is a strong sense of community and pupils of several different faiths and cultures work and play in harmony."

The school was also praised for laying on lessons for parents to improve their English.

Pupils regularly invited children from other faiths to the school and visit other schools in the borough.

The report concludes: "Hawthorns Juniors is a good school that provides good value for money."