Heartfelt tributes have been paid to a long-serving popular and inspirational media studies teacher who helped and supported many young students across the town after he died following a cardiac arrest.

Steve Beckingham, 57, taught in the area for over 30 years having started his career at Leiston High School in 1982. Shortly after, he made the move to Benjamin Britten High School (BBHS) to teach media studies, where he stayed until switching to Kirkley High School - now East Point Academy.

Mr Beckingham then became head of the Lowestoft Sixth Form Consortium, which consisted of the three high schools in Lowestoft, Kirkley High, Denes High and Benjamin Britten High School.

As well as teaching media studies, he helped students with a range of pastoral issues and guided them on their important first steps onto the career ladder, helping youngsters with university application statements and giving valuable advice.

Shocked and saddened parents and students visited the BBHS and Lowestoft Sixth Form College Facebook page to pay their tributes to an 'enthusiastic and dedicated teacher' and a 'lovely person' after his death was announced on Monday, January 19.

Mr Beckingham's partner Sarah McGeady said: 'All of the love and kind comments have really helped us to get over the huge shock.

'The overwhelming sentiment has seen many messages of support and people saying how Steve helped them get into the positions they are today.

'He was very passionate about his job and the support has been phenomenal.'

Miss McGeady and Mr Beckingham were planning to get married later this year.

'He has been taken from us far too soon and it is so sad,' she said.

'Last year in particular he was extremely happy and he has had a fantastic time in his life. He was really looking forward to our plans and the wedding.

'For so many individual students to get in touch shows the legacy he has built.'

Mr Beckingham was in intensive care for a week after suffering a cardiac arrest. He died late last Saturday evening.

Mr Beckingham is also survived by one son, Simon, 22.

Pay your tribute to Steve Beckingham by writing, giving your full contact details, to: Journal Postbox, 147 London Road North, Lowestoft NR32 1NB or email andrew.papworth@archant.co.uk