A Falmouth teacher who died suddenly last week has been described by his family as a "fantastic son, father and husband" who was devoted to helping others.

Lee Symons, 39, who lived at Mabe with wife Liz and 3-year-old son Tristan, died of a combination of tonsillitis and a rare form of leukaemia on Wednesday (Feb 13).

Mr Symons, who had been teaching science at Falmouth School for four years, had been taken ill with a cold and tonsillitis several days before.

After his condition worsened he was taken to hospital where tests revealed that he had leukaemia and a day later he passed away.

Liz Symons said there were no signs that there was anything wrong with Lee apart from the cold and tonsillitis but he had been feeling very tired for several weeks.

This week Lee's family paid tribute to him describing him as a devoted father who loved his family and was always smiling.

Liz said: "He was a very loving, caring and thoughtful man. He loved everybody and family meant everything to him. He loved his job and was very hard working and he tried to help those who needed it the most. I will miss him so much."

The funeral will be on Tuesday next week at St Laudus Church, Mabe, at 11am. Lee's family have requested that people attending the funeral do not wear dark clothing.

Bryan Symons, Lee's father, said: "We want it to be more of a celebration of his life and we would appreciate it if people did not wear black and that they wear casual clothes. Lee would have wanted it this way."

Lee, a keen photographer, formerly attended King Charles School before going to Falmouth School and then later joined Leicester University where he studied geology and met his wife Liz.

The family has also asked people to think of happy memories or stories about Lee as they would like to put together a scrapbook for his young son.

Tributes to Lee and memories of him can be posted below.