Tributes have been paid to a Year Ten pupil who died suddenly.

Elliot Peters, a student at Helena Romanes School in Great Dunmow, passed away on Friday.

Since his death, students at the school have left floral tributes to Elliot in a special memorial set up by staff and the school closed early on Friday after the news was broken.

Headteacher Simon Knight said: “At Helena Romanes we are devastated by the sudden and untimely loss of a student.

“Elliot joined the school in September 2014 in Year 7. He will be remembered very fondly as a friendly and happy student, who had a real love for life.”

After the school closed early, it announced the news of Elliot’s passing on its website and in a letter to parents and pupils.

Mr Knight continued: “There has been a huge floral tribute to him in our memorial garden and we have opened a book of condolence.

“We will be planning a more permanent memorial for the future.

“Students and staff have received access to counselling this week.”

Year Ten and Year 11 students were told of the loss during a special assembly after which the decision was made to create memorial books in honour of Elliot, where students can write or sketch their thoughts or tributes.

Mr Knight said: “The prevailing mood here at Helena Romanes is one of deep sadness. “Rising to the surface, however, are memories of a wonderfully positive young man who made a huge impact on all those with whom he came into contact with.

“May you rest in peace Elliot.”

Any pupils who have been affected by the news will receive extra support from the school with counsellors set to be brought in specially to help.

Mr Knight has been in contact with the family since the tragedy.

Helena Romanes is a secondary school and college with around 1,500 pupils located in Parsonage Downs, Great Dunmow.