HUNDREDS of pupils and teachers will today pay tribute to a popular maths teacher and young dad who suddenly died at his Southampton home.

Navin Sukram collapsed and died of a heart attack while relaxing at his home in Midanbury.

Now Brookfield Community School where he taught for seven years will close its doors as staff and students say their goodbyes to the man who had inspired them to enjoy maths.

Hundreds are expected to attend the 40-year-old’s funeral from 10am at Wessex Vale Crematorium in West End today – with staff and students from the Sarisbury Green school wearing orange in tribute to the orange-themed Ainslie-house leader.

The school hopes the married dad-of-one’s memory will live on as they fundraise for the British Heart Foundation (BHF) and for a special garden and bench for him inside their grounds.

Students, teachers and parents have already raised more than £550 for the charity.

Headteacher Ria Allan said: “He was a dedicated and inspiring teacher, a much loved and highly committed house-leader and a dear colleague and friend. For those of us privileged to work with Navin, we valued his professionalism, integrity, humour and care.”

Navin’s sister, mum-of-two Anilla Purrot, 38, said: “It’s incredible the impact that he had. It just makes me think he had so much more to give.

"He was only 40 so he had 25 years of teaching left – he could have gone on to inspire even more people.

“I hope the people he did inspire will go on to inspire others.”

Navin, a member of New Community Church at Central Hall, Southampton, moved to the city to work at Wildern School in Hedge End where he taught until 2008.

Classes and exams will go on as normal for year 11 Brookfield students on tomorrow.

To donate to BHF in Navin’s memory visit justgiving.com/MrSukram.