THE tragic death of a 14-year-old teenager during a Rugby match this week has touched a whole community and left family and friends devastated.

Family, friends and teachers have been paying tribute to Matthew Bailey, from Broadwindsor, who died during a school rugby match on Monday.

Matthew, who was a pupil at Woodroffe School, Lyme Regis, collapsed at 4.40pm during an away match at Colyton Grammar School.

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. It is thought he may have suffered a heart attack.

Grandmother Janet Tubridy, from Mosterton, said: "He was the most wonderful boy who was the rock of the family. He was so kind, thoughtful and capable."

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

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 fuller 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 following a tragic accident on the rugby pitch.

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

He said he could not say more about the circumstances of Matthew's death at this time.

"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," he said.

Dorset County council sent two senior education psychologists and three educational welfare officers to Woodroffe to help students and staff come to terms with Matthew's death.

The school also contacted rugby's governing body the Rugby Football Union to see about continuing playing the sport but was assured by the union that there would be no problem to do so.