FORMER teachers today joined those paying tribute to an Ipswich man who died after his motorbike hit a telegraph pole.

FORMER teachers today joined those paying tribute to an Ipswich man who died after his motorbike hit a telegraph pole.

Chris Hutchison was riding his Yamaha Thundercat motorcycle in Grundisburgh Road, Hasketon when the accident happened at about 2.20pm on Monday.

The 21-year-old, who lived in Oak Hill Lane, was a former pupil at Stoke High School.

Both his form tutor and head of year today remembered Chris as a “popular” student.

In the joint statement issued to The Evening Star, former form tutor Carolyn Bott and head of year Dawn Simmons said: “Staff at Stoke High School are shocked and saddened to hear of the loss of Chris.

“Chris was a popular and well-liked young man who was consistently supportive to his friends and was a strength within his form group.

“We would like to extend our sympathies to Chris' family and in particular to his brothers who were also pupils at Stoke High School.”

Meanwhile tributes have continued to pour into the Star and other online websites, commemorating Mr Hutchison's life and friendships

Sophie Davies wrote: “I'll always remember the good times we had together, when we used to sit down the park for ages just talking. You were an amazing person and I'll never forget you. Love you always.”

And Claire Talman wrote: “RIP Chris.”

On the social networking site Facebook dozens of friends have posted their tributes.

Sarah Wardley said she remembered the fun times when she was at school with Mr Hutchison.

She said: “You still bring a smile to my face when I think about the laughs and smiles we had at school. Going to miss you, you were a smashing guy to know.”

Did you know Chris? Do you want to pay tribute? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.