A SCHOOL community is in deep shock after the tragic death of Barrie Ashley, described as a man “with a heart of gold”.

In an emotional note, Matthew Milburn, executive head teacher at Saddleworth School, said Barrie, a member of the school’s site team, had died of Covid-19.

He had talked to his brother.

Mr Milburn wrote: “I know so many colleagues will be deeply upset by this tragic news. Barrie’s brother phoned to pass on the news and to thank people from right across the school community for their concern and best wishes.

“It was perhaps inevitable this cruel and vicious virus would take one of our team. For it to be ‘Our Barrie’ whose warm, outgoing, innocent nature lit up the corridors of our school makes it all the more agonising.

“Martin has now to organise a very small funeral for immediate family only. However, he would like colleagues from Saddleworth to join him and the family for a much bigger celebration of Barrie’s life just as soon as we are allowed to gather together again.

“Take care of one another and perhaps this evening, having thanked the NHS and social care colleagues, you might find time to raise a cheer for a wonderful man.

“Barrie lived a full and rich life and was a character at Saddleworth School and well beyond. He will certainly be missed.”

Last year, 260 kind hearted Saddleworth School students insisted Barrie attend their glittering prom event as special guest and paid for a personal VIP ticket .

At the time, Mr Milburn said: “Barrie is an absolute star. He is a true character and has a heart of gold.”

He added: “Barrie used to attend Saddleworth School as a pupil in the 1960’s and worked his whole life helping others through his work with Adult Services and Dr Kershaw’s.

“He’s a firm favourite in the staff school pantomime every Christmas and has a starring role. The pupils love to watch him perform and dance and they all chant his name.

“Barrie is a central figure to our school, so populard and exudes happiness. He is always positive and is always willing to help anyone. Children respect him and he is a positive influence.”

And a friend of Barrie’s had a photograph from the prom copied and framed for him as a memento of the night.

Locally , in personal outpourings of grief, scores of people took to social media to express their condolences with one post describing Barrie as “one if life’s beautiful souls”and another saying he was “a real community legend.”