Lime House School is mourning the deaths of two former staff members.

Dale Brotherton, a former pupil and co-owner of the school, played a crucial role in the school's development over two decades.

His efforts helped Lime House School, in Dalston, Carlisle, reach its current level of success.

The school has sent condolences to Mr Brotherton's wife, Nicky, and their three children.

Nigel Rice, school proprietor, said: "Dale Brotherton was educated at Lime House School from the age of 11, arriving at the school in 1981.

"He was a model pupil and liked by all in the school.

"I taught him personally until he left the school at the age of 16 to pursue an extremely successful business career.

"I found him to be hard working, respectful and a role model for other pupils.

"Many former pupils and staff from all over the world have expressed their sincere sadness and shock at Dale’s untimely passing, referring to him as kind, gentle, loving, a friend, and a gentleman."

After leaving school, Mr Brotherton joined a local business group and later co-owned the school with his parents, William and Joan Brotherton.

In 1983, they appointed Nigel Rice as head, and he worked closely with Mr Brotherton until 1998 when they took over Lime House School with other colleagues.

Even after his direct involvement ended, Mr Brotherton remained attached to the school as two of his three children, Oliver and Maisie, attended the school.

Mr Rice added: "Our final conversation, as always, centered around Carlisle United.

"RIP Dale and thank you for all your contributions to the school."

The school is also grieving the loss of Ann Poole, who was the home economics teacher and continued to live locally after retiring.

She joined Lime House School when it amalgamated with Brookfield School, Wigton, in the 1980s.

Her teaching skills have been widely acknowledged by many former staff members and pupils.

Mr Rice said: "She continued to live locally, and her excellent teaching has been acknowledged by many former staff and pupils."

The school sent condolences to her immediate family.