And teachers who help shape our futures are rightly held in high regard throughout our adulthood.

Jed Holmes, who taught in the city for more than 20 years, was one such man.

His tragic death last year proved that, as hundreds of former pupils and their parents phoned, e-mailed, texted and wrote to The Evening Telegraph to pay tribute to the man.

His untimely death clearly touched those he left behind at Hampton Hargate Primary School, where he was headteacher.

And to mark the anniversary of his death, pupils and staff spent the day remembering him, starting with a special assembly during which a slideshow featuring photos of Jed, some of his favourite music and memories written by some of the pupils were viewed.

They also released balloons with a message or memory attached and planted a tree in the school grounds – surrounded by benches all hosting a plaque bearing his name.

Acting headteacher Sarah Moss summed the day up perfectly – full of smiles and laughter. Which according to those who knew him would have been just the way he would have wanted it.

Special Report: Jed Holmes.

Don't risk your life for a quick swim

Kids love water, but the two are not always a good mix.

So it is worrying to learn that parents have been spotted encouraging youngsters to swim in a lake at the Eye Green Reserve, where a teenager drowned just a few years ago.

Lakes, ponds, reservoirs and rivers are always going to be a temptation to children during the hot weather and the long summer holidays and are always going to be there. Unfortunately, adult supervisors are not.

Surely the Lido or one of the city's public pools are better places for such a pastime. Read the full story: Warnings over lake swimming.