TRAINED counsellors were this week helping pupils at Woodroffe School, Lyme Regis, come to terms with the tragic death of a 14-year-old classmate during a Rugby match.

Matthew Bailey collapsed and died from an apparent heart attack while playing at Colyton Grammar School on Monday afternoon.

Family, friends and teachers have all paid tribute to the popular and caring teenager.

Matthew collapsed at 4.40pm during Monday's match. Teachers tried to revive him on the pitch but he was pronounced dead after being flown to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital by air ambulance.

Pupils at Woodroffe School were told about his death in special assemblies on Tuesday morning.

The school is waiting to consult with the family about a memorial service for Matthew later.

Principal Richard Steward, said: "The staff, governors and students of the Woodroffe School are deeply shocked by the death of Matthew Bailey following a tragic accident on the rugby pitch.

"Matthew was a delightful boy who will be very much missed by everyone.

"We are not able to comment on the details at present except to say that staff involved, from both Colyton and Woodroffe, dealt with the accident in a timely and professional manner and the emergency services were on site very quickly. It was not possible, however, to save Matthew's life."

Dorset County Council sent two senior education psychologists and three educational welfare officers to Woodroffe to help students and staff come to terms with the tragedy.

The school also contacted rugby's governing body, the Rugby Football Union, to ask about continuing to play the sport and was assured that there was no reason to stop.

Matthew was the eldest son of farmers Pip and Paul Bailey, from Broadwindsor, who have two younger boys, Jack and Charlie.

Matthew's grandmother, Janet Tubridy, said: "He was the most wonderful boy who was the rock of the family. He was so kind, thoughtful and capable."