PUPILS and staff at Melksham Oak Community School have been rocked by the death of teaching assistant Keiren Edney, dubbed 'the big friendly giant' by his football coach colleagues, who died on Tuesday from suspected meningitis.

Messages of love and support have flooded in from across the school to pay tribute to the 21-year-old, known as Ned, who died on Tuesday morning on the way to hospital.

Pupils were told of the tragedy on Wednesday morning, and have already started work on projects to honour his memory.

Headteacher Steve Clark said: "Our whole school community is devastated by the loss of a hugely popular ex-pupil and colleague.

"He was a young man with many wonderful qualities and had a big future ahead of him at Melksham Oak.

"Keiran was able to support and develop the abilities of many people due to his warmth, compassion and humour. These are attributes he also brought as a local football coach, having led an under-16 team for six years.

"He will be sorely missed by us all and our thoughts are with his family and friends."

Hundreds of wellwishers have taken to social media to pay their respects to Mr Edney, whose parents own the The Fisheries chip shop in Union Street, Melksham.

Mr Edney also taught at the Charlie Austin Football School. Steve Hooper, who runs the school's after school and half term courses, said: "I am shellshocked. 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."

Southampton and former Swindon Town striker Charlie Austin tweeted: “So sad to hear of the unexpected passing of @CA9Football coach Ned Edney, condolences to his family #oneofthegoodguys."

On the football school's Facebook page, friends and acquaintances also paid tribute.

Tom Ashcroft, who went to primary school with him, posted: "He was a really decent lad, shared countless laughs in our younger days at school. Huge shock. Rest easy fella x."

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