General secretary of NUT dies

Steve Sinnott, general secretary of the National Union of Teachers (NUT), died over the weekend at the age of 56.

Mr Sinnott, who began his teaching career in 1975, died of a suspected heart attack on Saturday, leaving a wife and two children.

Tributes have been led by prime minister Gordon Brown, who said: "Steve Sinnott was inspirational in his devotion to teaching, not just for children in Britain, but around the world."

Ed Balls, secretary of state for children, schools and family, pointed out: "Steve was a passionate advocate for teachers and a great believer in the power of education."

He also expressed his personal sorrow at the general secretary's death.

Mr Sinnott's commitment to the British education system was highlighted by the Trades Union Congress, while the acting general secretary of the NUT Christine Blower said that the union's sympathy went to Mr Sinnott's family.

Last week, Mr Sinnott announced that NUT members had voted in favour of a one-day strike over the proposed below-inflation pay increase of teachers.

The NUT's Ms Blower has said that she believed Mr Sinnott would have wanted the union's members to continue with their campaigns.