The pupil who lost his life in a road accident in Witney has been praised as a gentle boy who had a sense of humour and fun.

The headteacher of Henry Box School paid tribute today to teenager Andrew Edwards and said it was a "difficult time" for the school reeling from two deaths in a matter of days.

Andrew, 13, died after he was hit by a car in Ducklington Lane, Witney, on Friday night.

On Thursday afternoon, the school's former head of technology Christine Diacon, died after being hit by a car on the A40 slip road near High Cogges.

Tomorrow, the Oxford coroner's office is expected to open and adjourn Andrew's inquest.

Headteacher Nicky Edmondson said: "Andrew was a gentle student who was well-liked within a circle of friends for his unique sense of humour and fun."

Annalies McIver, head of year nine, said: "Andrew will be sorely missed by staff and students.

"Andrew was a gentle student with a lovely sense of humour, which kept his classmates' spirits up.

Andrew appreciated the hard work many of his teachers and teaching assistants put in to help him achieve in their subjects - and he worked really hard at school to respond to that help.

He liked practical lessons where he could work with his hands."

Andrew's form tutor Lucy Beharrell added: "We have very fond memories of Andrew and our thoughts are with his family at this tragic time."

Mrs Diacon, who had five children, was a teacher at the school for 17 years before retiring in 2000.

Ms Edmonson said: "Her death has affected many staff, ex-students and parents who remember her."