Torment over tragedy teacher
The devastated family of a Staffordshire teacher who died jumping from the third floor of a burning hotel after trying to save his elderly mother from the blaze have spoken of their torment.
Peter Hughes, from Cheslyn Hay, was killed after a huge fire ripped through the Penhallow Hotel in Newquay, Cornwall, Saturday morning and his 86-year-old mother Monica, pictured, is still missing. Mr Hughes was a well respected head of physics at Weston Road High School in Stafford.
Staff at the Blackheath Lane school have paid tribute to him.
He joined the school last September and previously worked as a supply teacher at St Francis of Assisi Catholic Technology College in Aldridge, following time at Rushall Community School in Walsall.
Dr Greg Taylor, headteacher of Weston Road High School, said: "The school community is in shock and extremely distressed at the loss of Peter and the manner of his death.
"Our primary concern at the moment is to support pupils, colleagues and, in any way we can, his family with whom we are in close contact," he said.
He added: "He was a very fine teacher. His passion for science, belief in the importance of his job and real liking for the pupils was reflected in his work. He was a thoughtful, supportive and friendly colleague who led some of our GCSE students this year to outstanding grades in science.
"Peter was a teacher who knew what was fair and what was right for youngsters and he very obviously enjoyed working with them, both inside and outside the classroom," said Dr Taylor.
Mr Hughes' brother John and sister Pat Albutt also paid tribute to their brother's enthusiasm and love of science. Speaking at the bungalow in Glenthorne Drive, which their mother and brother shared, they said Mr Hughes "lived for teaching" and was respected by colleagues and pupils.
John Hughes said: "On behalf of our family, I would like to thank the emergency services, both from Devon and Cornwall and in Staffordshire, for their support and kindness during this very difficult time." Mr Hughes had travelled to the West Country with his mother to watch the surfing championships as he was a fan of the sport.
