TRIBUTES have been paid to a former PE teacher who died in a horror crash during a high speed motorcycle race.

Chris Swallow worked at the Blue Coat School in Oldham before emigrating to New Zealand to pursue a career in racing.

The 37-year-old father, from Yorkshire, was killed in an accident during the Senior Classic Isle of Man TT race on Saturday.

A spokesman for The Cranmer Education Trust, which runs Blue Coat School, issued a tribute to Mr Swallow, who is said to have stayed close with former colleagues and ex-pupils.

They said: “We are so sorry to hear of Chris Swallow’s tragic death. He came to Blue Coat in 2006 as a newly qualified PE teacher, and stayed with us for almost four years, until he and his wife emigrated to New Zealand.

“He was a lovely young man and a great teacher who quickly formed excellent relationships with young people.

“He was committed to extra-curricular sport as well as his teaching in school, and with another colleague set up the AM-Mayhem running club, which still continues – students and staff training at 7am on Oldham Edge and competing in local fell races.

“He maintained close ties with many staff at Blue Coat, as well as some former pupils.

“Our hearts go out to his widow and daughters.”

The Oldham Times:

Mr Swallow’s death was confirmed by the organisers of the race on Saturday.

His race team, The Manx Motor Cycle Club, released a statement following the tragedy and confirmed that he had died after an incident at the Ballaugh Bridge section of the course.

They said: “Chris was an experienced competitor. He made his debut in the 2007 Manx Grand Prix and was a regular competitor in the Classic TT Races. He achieved two runner-up places in the 2012 Classic Manx Grand Prix.

“We wish to pass on their deepest sympathy to Chris’s family including his father Bill and his wife Jen and children.”