DISTRAUGHT parents and schoolfriends are in mourning today after the death of a gifted Ipswich teenager.Former St Alban's Roman Catholic High School pupil Timothy Raine left the school this summer after sitting his A-levels and was hoping to study mathematics at university.

DISTRAUGHT parents and schoolfriends are in mourning today after the death of a gifted Ipswich teenager.

Former St Alban's Roman Catholic High School pupil Timothy Raine left the school this summer after sitting his A-levels and was hoping to study mathematics at university.

His family, who live in Ipswich, were too devastated to speak about the tragedy. However staff at St Alban's today paid tribute to a youngster who seemed destined for a bright future, while also commending his personal and academic qualities.

Speaking on behalf of the school and Tim's family, headteacher Dennis McGarry said: "Tim was highly valued as a member of this school community.

"He was an immensely kind and thoughtful person who was committed to his faith as a Christian.

"Whatever Tim did, he did whole-heartedly and set an excellent example to everybody. He was one of our highest achieving students and was an excellent mathematician, taking maths and further maths A-level. He was also good at ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) and geography. This naturally led him to apply for a place to read mathematics at Warwick University.

"Tim had a close group of friends and was liked by all members of this school community. Through his hard work and commitment, he had earned the respect of all his peers.

"Besides his school subjects, he enjoyed playing chess and played for the school team on many occasions. He also took part in the Suffolk chess tournaments.

"Tim was a keen cyclist, regularly taking part in the historic churches cycle ride. He was also an avid reader and enjoyed science fiction and comedy together with books relating to mathematical concepts and ideas.

"We were very sad to hear about the loss of Tim. This news had had an enormous impact on the school community.

"He will be remembered by us all with much love and affection."

Tim, who lived with his family in Ipswich, died on July 15, but the details surrounding the cause of his death have not been revealed.

His friends began to learn of the tragedy, which happened outside Suffolk, last weekend. Last Monday Mr McGarry wrote to Tim's peers at St Alban's.

In the letter Mr McGarry asked that they remember Tim's family and friends and said he was a credit to himself, his family and his school.

Pupils were offered the opportunity to use the school chapel which was opened during the week for quiet reflection.

Mr McGarry also offered Tim's former classmates the opportunity to return to the school if they wished to speak to anyone.