A MUCH-LOVED teacher who died during the summer holidays will be remembered by his pupils through a permanent memorial.

Clyde Pugh, 49, who taught at the Howbury Pupil Referral Unit, Slade Green Road, Slade Green, taught history and geography as well as IT.

But it was his commitment to the environment which caught pupils' imaginations and inspired them to create a sculpture in his memory.

Christened "Marilyn", the 1.5m-high sculpture is made entirely of recycled materials such as corks and cardboard packaging.

Unit co-ordinator Maggie Caird said: "This is a lovely way to remember Clyde. He was deeply committed to preserving the beauty of nature and wildlife.

"He encouraged recycling and the unit and really made the students think about the adverse effects of waste on our planet."

Mr Pugh, who had taught at the unit for eight years and died just a week before his 50th birthday.

The unit also has plants for a memorial garden in his name.