Tributes were today paid to a former amateur boxer and a teacher at one of Suffolk's top schools, after the pair were killed in a double-tragedy.

STUTTON: Tributes were today paid to a former amateur boxer and a teacher at one of Suffolk's top schools, after the pair were killed in a double-tragedy.

Matthew Anderson, of Holbrook, and Sarah Lee, who taught art at the village's Royal Hospital School, were killed in a crash between an Audi and a Ford Focus.

The 24-year-old drivers died in the head-on collision in Manningtree Road between Stutton and the Brantham Bull public house.

Miss Lee's partner, a passenger in her Ford Focus, was taken to Colchester General Hospital suffering minor injuries and shock.

Following Saturday's tragedy, Frannie Peake, who runs Ipswich Amateur Boxing Club, said one of the club members received a mobile telephone call that morning from Mr Anderson.

The former Holbrook High School pupil had trained at the club on and off for around ten years, but had not gone along for a few months.

However, Mr Peake said that on Saturday Mr Anderson told a friend he would be coming back to train today.

Mr Peake said his loss would affect the club deeply.

He said: “I am very sorry to hear about it. All the boys will be upset. I liked Matt. He was very happy-go-lucky and reasonably talented. He got to the finals of the Eastern Counties Championships a couple of times at light-middleweight.

“He was a hard worker and always up for a laugh.”

Mr Peake said Mr Anderson, who was a keen footballer, had trained as a carpenter at college, before going on to work in other areas of the building trade.

Another friend of Mr Anderson's, Sarah Pink, of Holbrook, said: “Matt was a great character, with his distinctive posh voice and cheeky smile. He always managed to put a smile on people's faces.

“I still can't believe he's gone. He is already sorely missed and will never be forgotten.”

Mr Anderson's parents, who also live in Holbrook, were too upset to speak about their loss today.

HOWARD Blackett, headmaster of Holbrook's Royal Hospital School, said crash victim Sarah Lee's death had deeply affected the pupils and staff.

He said: “Sarah had joined Royal Hospital School as an art teacher at the beginning of this term.

“She was a much-admired teacher and tutor, and to all she did she brought energy, enthusiasm and good humour.

“The whole community has been shocked by this tragic event. Sarah was only 24 and will be greatly missed.

“Her family are very much in our thoughts at this very difficult time.”

Although Miss Lee lived in Colchester, her parents live near Framlingham.

EMERGENCY services were called to the B1080 at just outside Stutton just after 12.30pm on Saturday.

Three ambulance crews were despatched along with a rapid response vehicle. The Essex air ambulance was also sent to the scene.

More than a dozen firefighters from Holbrook and Ipswich tried to help the three people in the two vehicles.

Residents from two houses next to the crash site tried to give first aid while waiting for emergency crews to arrive.

Firefighter Ian Bowell, group manager at Princes Street fire station in Ipswich, said: “Both cars were on the road with the Audi upside down. There were bystanders from the nearby properties. A man tried to render assistance and did as much as he could in the circumstances. Both cars had significant frontal impact.”

Mr Bowell said Miss Lee's partner was fortunate not to have sustained serious injuries, describing him as having “miraculously escaped injury”.

A resident who went to help the victims said she was alerted to the tragedy by family members.

The woman, who did not want to be named, said: “I saw them running out of the house and knew straight away what had happened. I went out with some blankets. I just sat with the guy who got out. He was just in shock. I stayed with him. He didn't speak.

“One car was on its roof, the other was just in the bank.”

The road was sealed off throughout Saturday afternoon and into the evening.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or who saw either of the vehicles on the road prior to the crash, should telephone Pc Roy Dade on 01473 613500.