The family of a popular Lowestoft media teacher who died suddenly following a cardiac arrest say they have been overwhelmed by the amount of supportive messages of condolence they have received from members of the public and former students.

Steve Beckingham had taught in the area for more than 30 years after starting his career at Leiston High School and moving to Benjamin Britten High School (BBHS). He later switched to Kirkley High School, which is now East Point Academy.

The 57-year-old also became popular with students during his role as head of the Lowestoft Sixth Form Consortium, where he helped young people with a range of pastoral issues and with career and university application guidance.

Parents and students were shocked to hear of his death on Saturday, January 17 after he had been in intensive care at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) for a week following a cardiac arrest.

In a statement to The Journal this week, Mr Beckingham's partner Sarah McGeady said a celebration of his life would be held in the early spring so that members of the public could pay their respects.

'We are overwhelmed by the many kind supportive messages and tributes made following the very sad and sudden death of our beloved Steve,' she said.

'Steve's son has requested that the funeral is a small service which will be followed by a private burial.

'We are however going to have a celebration of Steve's life in the early spring and would welcome contributions from all those that wish to attend. A date will be announced in due course.

'I have been asked about flowers and if people so wish we would welcome donations in lieu of flowers to the East Anglian Air Ambulance in recognition of their magnificent help on that dreadful morning.

'Once again, many thanks for the overwhelming love and support.'

Mr Beckingham's former colleagues paid tribute to him after his death, while former students posted comments to the Facebook pages of the schools where he worked.

Lowestoft Sixth Form College principal Yolanda Botham described him as a 'good, kind man' while Colin Goffin, assistant headteacher of BBHS, said:

'He always had a real commitment and understanding of his pupils.'

Donations in lieu of flowers to the air ambulance can be made via Anglia Co-Op, Police Station Road. Lowestoft.

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