A permanent tribute to much-loved Attleborough Academy teacher and vice-principal David Bartram, who died last year, has been unveiled.

Eastern Daily Press: Attlebrough Academy hold a fete celebrating the life of teacher David Batrum, during the event the school renamed one of the buildings after the popular teacher.Attlebrough Academy hold a fete celebrating the life of teacher David Batrum, during the event the school renamed one of the buildings after the popular teacher. (Image: Archant Norfolk Photographic © 2015)

On Saturday, former pupils, colleagues and loved ones gathered at the school's summer fete to watch as the humanities building, where Mr Bartram taught history, was renamed The David Bartram Building.

It was a fitting tribute to a man who many described as an inspiration, and who many said had encouraged them to go into teaching.

At the fete, which was organised by staff and students, balloons were released in his honour, while more than £2,000 was raised for the East Anglian Air Ambulance and the British Heart Foundation, causes chosen by Mr Bartram's family.

Neil McShane, principal, said: 'Renaming the building where David taught all his History lessons is a fitting and lasting tribute to David's commitment to the subject that was his passion. The David Bartram Building will thus stand as a permanent reminder of his outstanding expertise.'

He added that it was 'fitting' that the newly renamed building was unveiled by Mr Bartram's young sons, with the family the first to enter the building.

Mr McShane said that the fete was part of the school's 'healing process' and thanked those involved, especially Fiona Campbell-Horne, Mr Bartram's PA, who ensured the day was a success.

He continued: 'David would have been so proud of the commitment shown by our staff and students in preparing for the event and I know he would have been touched, if not a little embarrassed, by the enormous numbers who attended - a reflection of the high esteem he was held in.

'My sincere thanks go to everyone involved in preparing and supporting the day. It is a real privilege to lead such a caring, strong, resilient and proud organisation and I am also certain that Attleborough, as a whole community, did David proud.'

Mr Bartram, who was in his 40s, moved to the academy in 2008, having worked at Wymondham High Academy.

Do you know of an event in Attleborough we should be writing about? Email reporter Lauren Cope on lauren.cope@archant.co.uk