The wife of a Clacton teacher who died in a canoeing accident has thanked the community for its support.

Alex Ball, of Hawkes Way, Clacton, died on New Year's Eve after he became separated from his friend on a weir in Stoke-by-Clare, Suffolk.

He left his wife Lisa and six-year-old son, Cameron.

She has received 160 letters and cards and the Gazette received an outpouring of messages from well-wishers on its website.

Mrs Ball is making a book of tributes for Cameron.

She said: "There have been so many cards it is unbelievable. Many thanks for the kind remarks, wonderful flowers and donations.

"It was wonderful to see just how much people thought of Alex, and he would have been very proud to know how much people thought of him, and how well respected he was."

Mrs Ball said there was not enough space at the funeral and a speaker system had to be used to relay the service.

She reserved special thanks for her family, Thelma, Jane, Carol and Mac, Alex's school staff and friends.

  • The tribute Mrs Ball read out at the funeral service is available on the Clacton Gazette website (link below)