A HEADTEACHER has paid a touching tribute to a 15-year-old pupil who died following an operation, leaving staff and his school friends in a state of shock.

John Challoner made the moving tribute to Shaun Martin during the annual prize night at St Bede's RC High School, Blackburn.

The year 11 pupil had suffered from a form of muscular dystrophy which confined him to a wheelchair.

Mr Challoner said: "His death was an enormous shock to the school, not only because of the suddenness of his death, but because of the fact that Shaun was only 15 years old.

"For everyone, it was a difficult day. Yet, as a Christian school, we were helped through the day by our Catholic beliefs. At times like this, you often have nothing other than faith to make sense of what has happened.

"Shaun will be remembered, not only for the person he was, but because of the example he set. He never allowed his disability to hinder his individuality as a person."

Shaun's family, friends, teachers and pupils attended the funeral last Friday in Clitheroe.

Mr Challoner added: "It was a lovely mass, naturally full of emotion from everyone who attended."

He also asked the audience at last night's presentation to remember those who died in the two world wars and previous conflicts this century.

He said: "As a nation we still value and remember the sacrifice made by the young men of Blackburn, Darwen and Accrington, who gave their lives so that we may enjoy the freedom we have today."

Mr Challoner also acknowledged the hard work of pupils from the school and singled out the efforts of last year's Year 11, who were above average in national educational targets for the fifth year running.

He said: "In my opinion, it is this combination of effort by parents, pupils and teachers and our joint high expectations which largely accounts for the success of our school and its reputation within the local community."

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