A POPULAR teacher has died after suffering a heart attack in front of his pupils and colleagues.

Drama teacher Peter Rafferty 54, collapsed at Our Lady's High School, Cumbernauld. Staff and pupils who saw him fall raised the alarm.

He was taken by ambulance to Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, but died a short time later.

Tributes have been paid to Mr Rafferty, who has been described as "inspirational".

He was previously married to River City and former Rab C Nesbitt star Barbara Rafferty and they have three grown-up children, Amy, 34, Nick, 31, and Bob 27.

Michael Currie, head teacher of Our Lady's High School, said Mr Rafferty had made a huge contribution to the school during his 33-year career there.

He said: "Peter joined the school in 1974.

"He was responsible for several school shows and was a kind, generous, thoughtful and witty person with a wicked sense of humour.

"He will be greatly missed by everyone in the school."

The school has been inundated by messages from former pupils and lessons were cancelled as a mark of respect after staff learned of Peter's death last Friday.

His family described him as a caring friend to everyone who put others before himself.

Daughter Amy said: "People instantly warmed to my father and he touched the lives of so many people, not just through teaching, but in every day life as well. We have lost our best friend."

Peter recently took the opportunity to visit his son Nick and his fiancee in China where they enjoyed climbing and cycling.