Tributes have been paid to a former teacher who was killed in a crash near Haddenham last week.

Mark Jones, 38, of Freckenham, was killed when his blue Mazda MX5 collided with a white Vauxhall Astra Envoy at about 7.50am on the A1123 on December 1.

Mr Jones spent many years as a teacher at the King Edward VI school in Bury St Edmunds, and the school paid tribute to him on its Facebook page.

It said: “We are deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the death of former King Edward VI teacher, Mark Jones. Mark was killed in a car accident on Friday.

“Mark was an exceptional teacher. He was creative, passionate and talented; all in equal measure. He joined the staff team in December 2015 on a maternity cover in media, yet demonstrated his immense versatility by going on to teach drama and physics.

“Whatever the subject matter, Mark taught with authority, proficiency and humour. As a virtuosic pianist, he happily shared his skill with the cast of ‘Oliver!’, taking on the role of rehearsal accompanist. He also helped direct the show, always motivating and inspiring those around him.

“While maintaining utter professionalism, Mark made no secret of any part of who he was.

“As a result, he was a very special role model to a great many students.

“He led ‘Boys’ Talk’ assemblies demonstrating, once again, both his hugely amiable character and his natural ability to command respect.

“The prevailing mood here at King Edward VI School is one of deep sadness. Rising to the surface, however, are the memories of a wonderfully positive man who we were privileged to have called a colleague and a friend.

“May you rest in peace, Mark.”