THE FAMILY of a beloved Crewkerne headteacher who tragically died last month has paid tribute and thanked members of the public for their support.

David Carter, 41, was the headteacher at St Bartholomew's First School in Crewkerne, as well as a husband, father of four, and lively member of the community.

Now his aunt, Silvana Balestrieri, has written an open letter to all who were affected by his passing.

She said: "To all the staff at St Barts School - We would like to thank you.

"Thanks for the children who were wonderfulat the memorial service. "Thanks to the teachers for their participation and commitment in preparing the children.

"Thanks to the teachers and students of other schools who participated. Thanks to the parents. Thanks to the governors.

"Thanks to the Diocese of Bath and Wells, Somerset Education Authority and to the Mayor of Crewkerne.

"Thanks to all those who helped David in his work, to all his friends and to all his sports mates.

"Thanks to all those who took part in both the funeral and memorial service. Thanks to Rev. Stuart Huntley, Rev. Geoffrey Walsh and Rev. Clive Sedgewick. Thanks to Julian Hussey and W. G. Potter.

"Thanks to the newspapers: Chard and Ilminster News, Western Gazette and Pulman View South Somerset for dedicating their front pages to David and for having said so many beautiful things about him which fills us with pride.

"I would also like ot say that throughout his upbringing David received a lot of love from his parents and all his relatievs, so when he became adult he was able to give love to others: love for school, for students and love for everything he did.

"When you are full of loveyou distribute it and it does not matter if this love is not reciprocated, but in this case we have felt your closeness to our sorrow and this love came back.

"I think the message David has left us is for parents and teachers: give attention and love to children because this will help them to be better adults.

"I would like to extend this letter to everyone. Yours sincerely, Silvana Balestrieri."

Richard and Teresa Carter, David's parents, have also thanked the News for its coverage.

Richard said: "My wife and myself would like to thank you for your newspaper coverage of our son's tragic death.

"As you can imagine we were extremely shocked to receive the news of his untimely death but we can take comfort and pride in the fact that he was loved and respected by so many, as was clearly demonstrated in your articles concerning David."

For the full story and reaction to Mr Carter's passing, click here.