A TEACHING assistant at Melksham Oak School died yesterday (September 13) at the age of 21 from a suspected meningitis.

Ned Edney, who was also a former pupil at the school, died on Tuesday evening when he was on the way to hospital.

Hundreds of wellwishers have taken to social media to pay their respects to the learning support teacher. 

Mr Edney also taught at the Charlie Austin Football School, where he was a greatly admired and celebrated figure.

On the football school's Facebook page, friends and acquaintances paid tribute to the "big friendly giant".

Tom Ashcroft wrote: "He was a really decent lad, shared countless laughs in our younger days at school. Huge shock.. Rest easy fella x."

Brett Partner added: "Absolutely gutted, such a nice guy and a great coach, will be missed RIP."

Ann Richards said: "Such sad news. A life taken far too early. Thoughts with all his family and friends."

Amy Louise Brown, who saw him regularly at the Fisheries Chip Shop in Melksham, said: "He was one of the nicest lads I have had the pleasure of knowing.

"He always had a massive smile on his face and was great when I used to my child in with me."

Steve Hooper, who ran the school, said: "I am just shellshocked. I knew him really well. He was a fantastic bloke and was loved by everyone here.

"There has been a phenomenal amount of responses to this tragic news which shows how highly thought of he was. 

"So many looked up to him. He was like the big friendly giant. I only spoke to him on Friday, it is just so sad. 

"We want to hold a match to toast his memory so hopefully that will go ahead. 

"Me and everyone at the school's thoughts are with his family and friends at this incredibly sad time."

Charlie Austin, who plays for Southampton FC in the Premier League, tweeted: “So sad to hear of the unexpected passing of @CA9Football coach Ned Edney, condolences to his family #oneofthegoodguys."

More to follow.